Get ready to experience a dessert that's about to revolutionize your baking game! This Quick Cherry Chocolate Cake is the ultimate shortcut to dessert heaven - imagine a decadent chocolate cake swirled with luscious cherry filling that looks like it took hours to make, but can be whipped up in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy home baker or a dessert enthusiast looking for a show-stopping treat, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Use an electric mixer to blend ingredients on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently fold the cherry pie filling into the cake batter, stirring carefully to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix to maintain the visual swirl of cherries throughout the cake.
- Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula to ensure uniform thickness and consistent baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an elegant finishing touch.
- Cut into 8 equal servings and serve. Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Marbling Technique: When folding in the cherry pie filling, use a gentle hand to create beautiful swirls. Overmixing will lose the beautiful marble effect.
- Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is precisely at 350°F for even baking.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness with the toothpick method - it's foolproof!
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure a perfect finish.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
