Easy chocolate cherry cake is a moist and delicious chocolate cake filled with cherries and topped with chocolate ganache. A great cake for any occasion!

 

The BEST Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

Calling all chocolate lovers! This rich chocolate cherry cake with a cherry pie filling and decadent ganache on top is absolute bliss. And thanks to the pre-made cake mix, prep is even easier than you think!

Looking for a chocolate dessert that will knock your socks off but doesn’t take all day to make? Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to treat the family (or yourself), this easy chocolate cherry cake is always a winner!

Just imagine trying a forkful of fluffy, moist chocolate cake mixed with tangy cherry pie filling and topped with a decadent ganache. Is your mouth watering yet? Let me tell you, the real thing is probably even better than you’re imagining.

And best of all, it’s so easy to make. But more on that in a minute.

I was first introduced to this cake when one of my mom’s best friends brought it over for us to try. She is such an amazing cook, so I knew it was going to be delicious even before I tasted it.

I was right, but I had no idea just how right. Oh my goodness, this is one seriously good cake. And once you give it a try, just like me, you’re going to be hooked from the first forkful!

What is a semi-homemade cake?

I like to use this term whenever I make a recipe that’s not completely from scratch. Because, let’s be honest, it’s not always worth the extra effort!

For example, this recipe calls for a pre-made devil’s food cake mix. It cuts way down on prep time, turns out amazing every time, and no one can taste the difference! See what I mean?

We’ll also use a can of cherry pie filling in this recipe. I don’t know about you, but I usually don’t have hours to reduce and mix my own cherry filling. I leave that to the experts!

The ganache on top is the one element we will make from scratch, but the process is very simple. You’ll combine everything in one pan to help it achieve the perfect texture, then pour it over the cake while still warm. It’s super easy and utterly decadent!

If you want to lick the bowl afterwards, I won’t blame you. In fact, I would think you’re crazy if you didn’t!

Is chocolate cherry cake the same as black forest cake?

While they have similar flavors, they are two separate desserts. Black forest cake is made from layers of chocolate cake with cherry filling in between. It also features a whipped cream topping.

The biggest similarity is that they both give you the combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries. This recipe melds the flavors a bit more because the cherry pie filling is combined with the cake mix. And instead of the whipped cream topping, we’ll cover our in a heavenly chocolate ganache for that perfect finish!

How to make Chocolate Cherry Cake with Cherry Pie Filling

Scroll to bottom for full printable recipe and ingredient list.

To make the chocolate cherry cake using cake mix:

• Mix: Using an electric mixer, mix together cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and almond extract.

• Fold: Fold in cherry pie filling and stir until combined. 

• Bake: Pour batter into a 9×13 pan sprayed with non-stick spray and bake for 30-35 minutes. 

To make the ganache:

• Ganache: My favorite part is the chocolate ganache topping. In a saucepan heat evaporated milk, sugar and butter. Then stir in chocolate chips and almond extract.

• Spread it over the cake and you are done. It is smooth and fudgy and oh so chocolatey. And yes, I licked the bowl clean.

Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe Tips

• Don’t have devil’s food cake mix, use chocolate instead.
• Have a nut allergy in your house, use vanilla extract instead of almond extract.
• Be sure to pour ganache over cake while the cake is still slightly warm. This helps it spread evenly. 

How to store Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling

This cherry cake will stay good at room temperature for 2-3 days and in the refrigerator for about one week. 

To freeze, let completely cool and then wrap in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good in the freezer for 2 months. 

FAQ

More delicious cake recipes

• Apricot Nectar Cake – This is a delicious, moist bundt cake made with apricot nectar.
• Pineapple Cake – One of my favorite cakes to make in the summer. Crushed pineapple and pineapple icing. 
• 7-Up Cake – A classic cake with 7-Up.
• Orange Poke Cake – A beautiful and delicious poke cake.
• Chocolate Sheet Cake – Chocolate cake with a fudgy chocolate frosting.

If you made this cake be sure to leave a star rating below!