Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, especially when it involves rich chocolate, vibrant cherries, and a splash of amaretto. The Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake is not only visually stunning but also a decadently delicious treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake stands out because of its unique combination of flavors. The deep chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the sweetness of fresh cherries and the nutty undertones of amaretto. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sliced and pitted fresh cherries
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 Tbs amaretto syrup
• 2 cups butter
• 1 Tbs almond extract
• 10 Tbs cocoa powder
• 8-10 cups powdered sugar
• 5-6 Tbs amaretto syrup
• 3-4 Tbs milk
• Shaved unsweetened chocolate (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and boiling water to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is mixed well.
4. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. In a saucepan, combine the sliced cherries, water, sugar, and amaretto syrup. Bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes to soften the cherries. Drain, pat dry, and let cool.
8. To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth in a large bowl. Add in the almond extract and amaretto syrup, and mix until blended.
9. Next, mix in the cocoa powder, then add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until you get your desired consistency. Add milk as needed to reach the right texture.
10. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a turntable. Spread about 1 cup of frosting over the top, then layer with half of your sliced cherries. Repeat with the second layer.
11. Place the final layer on top and frost the outside of the cake. Decorate as desired.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

Serve the Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake at room temperature, slice it into generous pieces, and enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm climate or if your cake has been frosted, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week. Just make sure to allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

• Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a better batter consistency.
• Don’t skip the cooling time for the cake layers to avoid a soggy bottom.
• If you want to add more cherry flavor, consider using cherry extract or an additional layer of cherries in the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, as they can release extra moisture.

What can I substitute for amaretto syrup?

If you don’t have amaretto syrup, you can use another almond-flavored syrup or even a simple syrup mixed with a bit of almond extract.

How can I make the frosting chocolatey without adding too much cocoa?

If you want a less intense chocolate flavor but still want some chocolate in your frosting, use a combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate. Start with a small amount of cocoa and then add melted chocolate to reach the flavor you like.

Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Cake

A rich chocolate cake layered with fresh cherries and amaretto-flavored frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sliced and pitted fresh cherries

Frosting Ingredients

• 2 cups butter softened
• 1 Tbs almond extract
• 10 Tbs cocoa powder
• 8-10 cups powdered sugar to taste
• 5-6 Tbs amaretto syrup
• 3-4 Tbs milk as needed for consistency

Cherry Topping

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 Tbs amaretto syrup

Optional Decoration

• Shaved unsweetened chocolate for decoration

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and boiling water to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is mixed well.
4. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans.

Baking

1. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Cherry Preparation

1. In a saucepan, combine the sliced cherries, water, sugar, and amaretto syrup. Bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes to soften the cherries.
2. Drain, pat dry, and let cool.

Frosting

1. To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth in a large bowl.
2. Add in the almond extract and amaretto syrup, and mix until blended.
3. Mix in the cocoa powder, then add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until you get your desired consistency. Add milk as needed to reach the right texture.

Assembly

1. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a turntable. Spread about 1 cup of frosting over the top, then layer with half of your sliced cherries. Repeat with the second layer.
2. Place the final layer on top and frost the outside of the cake. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Serve the cake at room temperature, sliced, and enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.