Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Sinking your teeth into a luscious cherry chocolate cream cheese bundt cake that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet cherries dance through rich chocolate layers, creating a mesmerizing dessert landscape.

Creamy cheese swirls add unexpected depth to each decadent slice.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this cake a true conversation starter at any gathering.

The moist, tender crumb melts effortlessly on your palate, releasing bursts of fruity and cocoa notes.

You cannot resist the temptation of this show-stopping dessert that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of deliciousness.

What Matches Well With Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • Pair with Rich Espresso: Brew a strong, dark espresso that cuts through the cake's sweetness and complements the deep chocolate notes, creating a balanced and indulgent flavor experience.
  • Matching Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or late-harvest Zinfandel that echoes the cherry's fruity essence and harmonizes with the cake's creamy chocolate undertones.
  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Companion: Serve a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, which provides a creamy contrast and enhances the cake's rich texture.
  • Fresh Berry Garnish: Top with a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to add a bright, tart element that freshens up the dense chocolate and cherry flavors.

New Variations Of Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • Berry Blast Version: Swap cherries for mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries, creating a vibrant and tangy cake with colorful fruit pieces throughout the batter.
  • Tropical Dream Edition: Replace cherries with crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert that brings sunny flavors to your cake.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or almonds into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra texture and rich, roasted undertones.
  • Spiced Chocolate Fusion: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom into the cream cheese mixture, giving the cake a sophisticated and aromatic profile that complements the chocolate notes.

FAQs About Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • What makes this cake so special?

This cake combines the rich, decadent flavors of chocolate with sweet, tangy cherries and creamy cream cheese, creating a luxurious dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

  • Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries completely before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

A Bundt pan is essential for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, you can use a tube pan or deep round cake pan as an alternative. The key is having a pan that allows the cake to have its signature shape and even baking.

  • Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This recipe is relatively straightforward and forgiving. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can create a stunning dessert with some basic mixing skills and careful attention to the instructions.

Why Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Is A Showstopper

  • Bursting with Fruit Flavor: Juicy cherries add a delightful burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to this decadent chocolate cream cheese cake, creating a perfect balance of fruity and rich flavors.
  • Indulgent Chocolate Dreamscape: The deep, luxurious chocolate base combines with creamy cream cheese to deliver an incredibly moist and velvety texture that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.
  • Super Simple Baking Adventure: This recipe requires minimal prep time and basic baking skills, making it an approachable dessert for both novice and experienced bakers who want to impress without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Centerpiece: Whether it's a family gathering, holiday party, or casual weekend treat, this beautiful Bundt cake looks stunning and tastes extraordinary, guaranteed to win praise from everyone at the table.

What Goes Into Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist cake texture.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy flavor and creates a dense, moist cake.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provide sweet, bright red color and fruity burst.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Introduce rich chocolate notes throughout the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth.
Leavening and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake stays moist and tender.

Easy Steps To Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a Bundt pan with non-stick baking spray or grease and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk the ingredients until well blended and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The texture should transform from grainy to smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate into the butter mixture:
  • Eggs (one at a time)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Mix until each ingredient is fully integrated and the batter looks silky.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to create a rich, smooth chocolate batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold fresh or frozen cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg

Mix until completely smooth.

Step 8: Layer Batter in Pan

Pour half the chocolate batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Add dollops of cream cheese mixture and swirl with a knife. Top with remaining chocolate batter.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze if desired.

Pro Tips For Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Success

  • Select the Right Pan Coating: Use baking spray with flour or thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases smoothly without sticking.
  • Control Moisture with Cherries: Pat fresh or frozen cherries completely dry before adding to the batter to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.
  • Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Lightly coat chocolate chips in a thin layer of flour before mixing into the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
  • Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick or thin knife near the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow the Bundt cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before adding any glaze or frosting.

How To Store And Reheat Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires cool temperatures to maintain its texture and prevent spoiling.
  • Room Temperature: Let cake slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese and enhance flavor depth.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.
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Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry chocolate cream cheese bundt cake combines rich flavors in a stunning dessert that promises pure delight. Chocolate lovers will savor each moist, velvety slice packed with sweet cherries and creamy swirls of decadence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Baking Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces or 432 grams) chocolate cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Fruit and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (150 grams) canned cherry pie filling

Cream Cheese and Topping Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons (3045 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat the interior of a Bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent cake from sticking, then dust lightly with flour.
  2. Combine room-temperature cream cheese with sugar, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, eliminating any potential lumps.
  3. Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform, silky texture.
  4. Gently fold vanilla extract and almond extract into the wet ingredients, distributing the flavors evenly throughout the batter.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential clumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the cream cheese base, stirring carefully to maintain a light, airy consistency without overmixing.
  7. Delicately fold fresh or frozen cherries and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
  8. Pour the prepared batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center emerges clean, typically around 50-60 minutes.
  10. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a complementary glaze for added visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

  • Achieve a perfectly non-stick surface by using a combination of butter and flour or a high-quality baking spray, ensuring your cake releases smoothly from the intricate Bundt pan design.
  • For an extra flavor boost, lightly toast the chocolate chips before folding into the batter, which intensifies their rich chocolate essence and adds depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.
  • Consider swapping fresh cherries with dried or frozen cherries during off-season months, adjusting moisture content by patting them dry to prevent excess liquid in the cake batter.
  • Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s tender crumb and delightful texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 323
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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