SUMMER CHOCOLATE CHERRY LUXE CAKE
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious desserts that are light, fruity, and satisfying. The Summer Chocolate Cherry Luxe Cake is an indulgent chocolate cake layered with rich cherry buttercream and topped with smooth chocolate ganache. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
This cake is ideal for anyone who loves chocolate and cherries. It’s a great way to impress your guests at birthday parties, picnics, or barbecues. The combination of moist chocolate cake and sweet cherries creates a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, making this cake can be a fun activity for family and friends to enjoy together.
How to Make Summer Chocolate Cherry Luxe Cake
Ingredients :
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or coffee
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice or cherry compote
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)
- Fresh cherries with stems (for decoration)
- Chocolate crumbs or crushed cookies (for decoration)
- Optional: extra ganache or chocolate curls
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Gradually add hot water or coffee and stir until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- For the ganache, heat the cream until it simmers. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa, and mix well. Then, add cherry juice, vanilla, and cream, and beat until smooth and pipeable.
- Assemble the cake: layer the chocolate cake with cherry chocolate buttercream. Frost the sides and top with buttercream.
- Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Decorate with piped buttercream, fresh cherries, and chocolate crumbs around the base.
How to Serve Summer Chocolate Cherry Luxe Cake
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can enhance the presentation with extra cherry toppings or chocolate curls.
How to Store Summer Chocolate Cherry Luxe Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh, you can wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Tips to Make Summer Chocolate Cherry Luxe Cake
- Measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth buttercream.
- If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a bit more cocoa powder to the frosting.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Variation
You can swap the cherry juice for raspberry or strawberry purees for a different fruity twist. You can also use different types of chocolate for the ganache, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and assemble.
2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Is it necessary to use hot water or coffee in the batter?
Yes, adding hot water or coffee helps to intensify the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist. However, if you prefer not to use coffee, hot water will work just fine.
