Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cake that flawlessly balances rich, indulgent chocolate with bright, fruity cherries and a luscious, tangy cream cheese swirl, this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This stunning bundt cake is not only a feast for the eyes with its beautiful layers and glossy cherry glaze, but it also delights your taste buds with every bite. The harmonious marriage of moist chocolate cake, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry bursts makes it a showstopper for any celebration or a special treat to brighten up your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the rich cocoa powder to the tangy cream cheese and juicy cherries, each component works together to create that unforgettable experience.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for the cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the cherries and cream cheese.
• Cocoa powder: Delivers the deep, chocolatey flavor that makes the cake irresistible.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Ensure the cake rises perfectly with a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the richness of the cake.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both batter and cream cheese filling.
• Hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor while keeping the cake moist.
• Cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that elevates this bundt cake.
• Cherry pie filling: Brings bursts of sweet and tart cherry flavor, both in the batter and as a glossy glaze.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter and dust it lightly with flour or use a baking spray designed to prevent sticking. This prep ensures your cake comes out clean and showcases its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer, blend the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt on low speed until everything is evenly combined. This step sets the foundation for your cake’s flavor and rise.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. These add moisture and richness, making the cake tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Coffee

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing at low speed. Once combined, gradually add the hot coffee and mix just until everything comes together. The coffee is key to amplifying the chocolate notes without adding an obvious coffee taste.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese, one egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling will add that irresistible tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate cake.

Step 6: Strain Cherries and Reserve Glaze

Using a large-hole strainer, drain the cherry pie filling, separating the cherries from the glaze. Set the cherries aside to mix into the batter, but don’t toss the glaze— you’ll use it later to glaze your cake with a shiny, luscious finish.

Step 7: Fold Cherries into Cake Batter

Gently stir half of the strained cherries into the cake batter. This adds delightful pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the cake that surprise your palate as you slice into it.

Step 8: Layer the Cake and Cream Cheese Filling

Pour one-third of the cherry-studded cake batter into your prepared bundt pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter to create a luscious layer, then sprinkle the remaining cherries evenly on top of the cream cheese. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter over everything to seal it all in.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bundt cake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the cream cheese layer) comes out clean. The cake should have a nice springy texture and a rich chocolate aroma.

Step 10: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the cake cool completely in the pan to set properly—about an hour works great. If you’re concerned about sticking, gently remove the cake from the pan after 15 minutes and transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 11: Glaze Your Bundt Cake

Once cooled, brush the cake generously with the reserved cherry glaze. This final touch adds a shiny, enticing finish that not only looks gorgeous on the plate but also adds a juicy sweetness with every bite.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh cherries on top can add an elegant and fresh look. For an extra touch of decadence, consider dolloping some whipped cream or sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or almonds to add crunch and complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine also enhances the tasting experience, balancing the sweetness and richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake and serve it on a decorative platter garnished with mint leaves and cherries for a striking presentation. You could also cut mini bundt cake slices and serve them as individual desserts at a party or special brunch. The layered look of the cream cheese and cherries inside always wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe securely in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its moistness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers for longer, this bundt cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or at low heat in the oven until just warmed through. This helps refresh the cake’s moist texture and revives that freshly baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used in place of canned cherry pie filling, but you may want to add some sugar and cornstarch to create a thicker glaze and sweet filling since fresh cherries have less syrup.

Is it necessary to use coffee in the cake batter?

Coffee is a wonderful enhancer of chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee itself, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with hot water or even hot milk for a milder flavor.

How do I prevent the bundt cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the bundt pan well with butter and dust with flour or use a non-stick baking spray specifically designed for cakes. Also, make sure to allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan for easy release.

Can I make this bundt cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy this cake gluten-free. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

What’s the best way to get the cream cheese layer in the middle?

The key is layering: pour part of the chocolate batter first, then gently spoon in the cream cheese mixture, followed by cherries, and finally cover everything with the remaining batter. Avoid mixing layers to maintain the marbled effect.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a delightful treat that combines some of the most beloved flavors into one show-stopping cake. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a birthday, or just a cozy dessert night, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around your table. Don’t wait too long to try it—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it once you do!

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