Chocolate Cherry Cake III

Chocolate Cherry Cake III is a must-try dessert for chocoholics. It is incredibly moist and fudgy, thanks to the combination of devil’s food cake mix and cherry pie filling. This simple yet decadent cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a rich chocolate treat.

Essential Ingredients

To make this delicious cake, you will need:

• 1 (18.25-ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 5 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and eggs. Stir by hand until well blended.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
5. Add the Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
6. Finish the Cake: Immediately pour the chocolate glaze over the partially cooled cake and let it set before serving.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that support heart health.
• Mood Booster: The combination of chocolate and cherries is known to enhance mood and reduce stress.
• Source of Fiber: Cherries provide a small amount of fiber that aids digestion.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Garnish with fresh cherries or shaved chocolate for extra indulgence.

Creative Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Extra Chocolatey: Fold in additional chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Boozy Twist: Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the batter for a rich flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the glaze before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: For a richer glaze, opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips.
• Mix Gently: Stir the batter by hand to prevent overmixing, which keeps the cake moist.
• Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the glaze to ensure an even spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can use a chocolate fudge cake mix or any other chocolate variety for a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

3. How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

4. Can I make this cake without almond extract?

Yes! You can substitute vanilla extract or simply omit it if you prefer.

5. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

While fresh cherries can be used, cherry pie filling provides extra moisture and sweetness that enhances the cake’s texture.

This Chocolate Cherry Cake III is an easy yet impressive dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, this rich and fudgy cake is sure to be a hit!

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