4 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

This 4 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake is the ultimate dessert hack! Decadent, moist, and bursting with rich chocolate and tangy cherries, it’s a breeze to whip up and takes only a few pantry staples. Whether you’re short on time or want a fuss-free sweet treat, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or impromptu celebrations, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make over and over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just four basic ingredients, you’ll have this cake ready for the oven in no time—perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Crowd Pleaser: Chocolate and cherry are a match made in dessert heaven! This irresistible flavor combo is sure to win over everyone.
• Pantry-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. This recipe uses items you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable: While it’s delightful on its own, this cake can easily be dressed up with toppings or tweaks to make it your own.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s all you need to get started:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: The foundation of the recipe. Go for your favorite brand or try a devil’s food cake mix for an extra indulgent twist.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of richness.
• Almond Extract: This is the secret weapon! A splash of it enhances the cherry flavor and makes the cake taste more homemade. Don’t skip this!
• Cherry Pie Filling: The star ingredient. Provides moisture, sweetness, and chunks of luscious cherries throughout the cake. Pro tip: Gently stir before adding to make sure the cherries are evenly distributed.
• Chocolate Frosting: Use a store-bought tub for convenience or go all out with your favorite homemade frosting for a personal touch.

Tip: Feel free to dust the pan with a little cocoa powder after spraying with cooking spray to prevent sticking and add an extra chocolatey element.

Variations

Want to make it uniquely yours? Try these fun twists:

• Nutty Finish: Sprinkle crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the frosting for a crunchy contrast.
• Fruit Swaps: Experiment with other pie fillings like raspberry, blackberry, or even strawberry for surprising flavor combos.
• Marble It: Swirl in some cream cheese or vanilla frosting into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for more chocolate bursts in every bite!
• Booze It Up: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto to the batter for a grown-up twist.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to pull this off in a snap:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and almond extract using a hand mixer. The mixture will look crumbly—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be!

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Fold the cherry pie filling into the mixture. Stir gently until it’s fully combined and you see beautiful chunks of cherries evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s at room temperature, spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top. Stay light-handed or go bold with an extra-thick layer—it’s your call!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Just stir until everything is well blended.
• Test for Doneness: Oven times may vary, so check the cake at the 25-minute mark. If the toothpick isn’t clean, give it a few more minutes.
• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg is at room temperature—it blends into the batter more easily.
• Use an Offset Spatula: For smoother frosting application, an offset spatula will help you achieve a perfect, bakery-style finish.

How to Serve

This delightful chocolate cherry cake pairs beautifully with:

• A scoop (or two!) of vanilla or cherry-flavored ice cream.
• Freshly whipped cream for an airy, subtle contrast.
• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for that next-level indulgence.
• Fresh cherries lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant garnish.

Serve it for dessert, as a casual afternoon sweet treat, or even brunch (we don’t judge)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Slice into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Enjoy it cold, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that “just-baked” taste.

FAQs

Can I skip the almond extract?
While you can technically omit it, the almond extract adds a wonderful flavor that enhances the cherries. If you don’t have it, consider substituting vanilla extract instead.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake is classic here, yellow or white cake works as a nice canvas for those who prefer a lighter flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, including the pie filling, are gluten-free too.

How do I make it more homemade?
You can use homemade cherry pie filling and frosting to give the cake an elevated, homemade feel. It’s a bit more effort but absolutely worth it!

Final Thoughts

This 4 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake is the epitome of effortless bliss! With its luscious texture, rich chocolatey goodness, and tangy bursts of cherry, it’s the kind of recipe that takes zero stress yet delivers maximum wow-factor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, it’s a guaranteed win every time. So roll up your sleeves, grab that cake mix, and let the magic unfold. You’re just 4 ingredients away from dessert heaven—give it a try!

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