Chocolate Cake Recipe with Fresh Cherries

Chocolate and cherries—pure magic. This cake brings together rich, velvety chocolate and juicy cherries for a dreamy, one-bowl dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether it’s for a celebration or a cozy night in, this chocolate cherry cake hits every sweet note.

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake

For the Cake:

• Melted coconut oil or softened unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness to the cake

• Sugar – Sweetens the batter and balances the cocoa’s bitterness

• Eggs (room temperature) – Helps bind the batter and create a fluffy texture

• Almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries

• Yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance

• Flour – The base that gives the cake structure

• Baking powder – Leavens the cake for a soft, airy rise

• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Brings deep, chocolatey richness

• Salt – Enhances all the flavors

• Pitted whole fresh cherries – Juicy bursts of tart-sweet flavor baked right into the cake

For the Topping:

• Dark chocolate chips – Melts into a luscious topping

• Cocoa nibs – Adds a bold chocolate crunch

• Toasted slivered almonds – Offers a nutty, crisp contrast

• Fresh pitted cherries – Juicy garnish to echo the cake’s core flavor

• Powdered sugar – A light, elegant dusting to finish the look

Maraschino Cherries vs. Fresh Cherries 

While some people like to use maraschino cherries for cakes, fresh cherries have a slight tartness and juicy, irreplaceable texture. They can usually be used interchangeably in recipes, but I love the taste of fresh cherries. Cherries are also in season in the summer, so it is the perfect time for a fresh cherry chocolate cake. Fresh cherries also have the perfect sweetness and a more authentic, natural flavor. 

Tips For the Best Chocolate Cherry Cake 

• Melt the coconut oil before measuring 4 oz of oil 
• Pit the cherries using a tool
• I like the taste of big bites of cherries, so I cut the cherries in half, but you can also cut them into fourths if you want them even smaller. Then, fold them into the batter. 
• You can sweeten the fresh cherries by cutting them into small bites and cooking them with one tablespoon of sugar. This will help to release some water and sweeten them a little more. If you do that, wait for the cherries to cool before adding them to the batter.  
• To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, cut some parchment paper and place it in the bottom of the pan. 

What Size Cake Pan Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe is for a small 9-inch round cake about 1 ½ inches tall. Although it may not sound huge, it can feed about ten people. You can also use this recipe to make a giant cake by doubling the ingredients. 

Can You Mix a Cake Without a Mixer? 

A handheld or stand mixer can be handy for making a cake since it makes the process faster and easier; however, if you don’t have one, no worries! It is not necessary. When making my cake, I like to go old school and whisk everything by hand. If you do not have a hand mixer, ensure you have the correct kitchen tools to make a cake. You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a wooden spoon. You will also need significant arm strength since you must mix everything so the cake batter becomes homogeneous.