Name: Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup milk, room temperature; ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; Cherry Jam1 ½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 cups full-fat cream cheese, cold (about 16 oz); ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 to 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2–3 tablespoon cooled cherry jam from above; Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch or milk powder for stability; ½ lemon, juiced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that feels a little fancy but is secretly super simple to pull off, let me introduce you to the Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer). This cake brings together the richness of chocolate, the bright tang of cherries, and dreamy cream cheese frosting in layer upon luscious layer. And here’s the kicker: you only need one bowl to make the cake itself, and most of the other steps are straightforward enough for a weeknight bake or a celebration centerpiece. There’s no need for intimidating techniques or complicated ingredient hunts—just pure, delightful flavor in every bite!

Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) is made with kitchen staples and a few sweet upgrades. Each ingredient adds its own touch—the cocoa brings depth, the cherries deliver playful pops of flavor, and the cream cheese frosting adds a mellow tang. Here’s what makes each bite so special:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy but tender structure for your cake layers, giving just the right crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor—pick a high-quality brand for real richness.
Baking powder and baking soda: The magic duo responsible for the perfect rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Enhances all the bold flavors and tames the sweetness.
Neutral oil (canola or vegetable): Guarantees a moist, plush cake without overwhelming the other flavors.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the cherry jam, balancing the tart cherries.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and help the cake rise with a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all those bold chocolate and cherry notes.
Milk (room temperature): Moistens the batter and keeps every layer soft and silky.
Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional): Extra gooey pockets of chocolate for those who like it decadent.
Pitted cherries (fresh or frozen): The star of the homemade jam—look for ones that are plump, juicy, and flavorful.
Lemon juice: Makes the cherries pop in the jam with brightness and balance.
Full-fat cream cheese (cold): Brings luscious tang and richness to your frosting.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Gives the frosting a creamy, fluffy texture.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese frosting.
Cherry jam (homemade, cooled): Adds natural fruity flavor and blushes the frosting a delicate pink.
Cornstarch or milk powder (optional): For added stability in the frosting—especially handy if it’s a hot day.
Lemon juice (for frosting): A final lift for brightness, making the whole cake taste lighter and more vibrant.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer)

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking and that golden finish. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper. This not only ensures your layers pop right out but also keeps their edges beautifully intact—no sticking, no crumbling!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter (All in One Bowl!)

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In your large mixing bowl, whisk the neutral oil and granulated sugar together until smooth; then beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk in two additions (starting and ending with the dry). Mix until everything’s just combined and smooth. Don’t overmix—just stop once the batter looks evenly chocolatey. For extra indulgence, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks now.

Step 3: Bake the Layers

Divide your luscious chocolate batter evenly between the prepared pans. Give them a gentle tap on the counter to pop any air bubbles. Slide them onto the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10–15 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off—cooling keeps your frosting from melting later!

Step 4: Make the Cherry Jam (Plan Ahead!)

This is where the Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) gets its star flavor. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing some of the cherries to release their juices. If you want thicker jam, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in for the final few minutes. Once thick and juicy, remove from heat and let the jam cool completely (making it the day before is perfect!).

Step 5: Prepare the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat your butter until pale and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes and builds that cloudlike texture. Add the cold cream cheese and beat on medium only until smooth and fully combined. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Keep beating until it’s thick and dreamy but avoid over-whipping. Fold in 2–3 tablespoons of your cooled cherry jam to make it taste (and look!) like pure joy. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible for the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Four-Layer Masterpiece

If your cakes have domed tops, carefully level them with a serrated knife for stacked perfection. Slice each round in half horizontally so you have four even layers. Place your bottom layer on a serving plate, spread on a generous layer of frosting, and if you’d like, a thin swipe of cherry jam. Repeat with remaining layers. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake, chill briefly, then frost the whole cake as smoothly as you wish. Decorate with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or playful piping—let your creativity shine!

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer)

Garnishes

For pure wow-factor, top your cake with a tumble of glossy fresh cherries, a dusting of chocolate curls, or even a light sprinkle of freeze-dried cherries for crunch. If you love a rustic look, a drizzle of extra cherry jam down the sides makes for stunning, jewel-like drips!

Side Dishes

This cake is a knockout solo, but you can double down on decadence by serving each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a simple espresso for those who adore the coffee-chocolate combo. A handful of fresh berries on the side complements the layers beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re baking for a party, try slicing the cake into finger-friendly bars and nestling them in cupcake liners for a whimsical dessert spread. For an elegant touch, serve each piece on plates with a brush of cherry jam, or add a sparkler for a birthday surprise! Multi-layered trifles with leftover cake cubes, jam, and frosting are a fun, fuss-free variation if you ever have extras.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) will stay fabulously moist for up to three days. Cover any leftover slices well and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen over time, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead, the cake layers (unfrosted) and the cherry jam can both be frozen. Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. The jam can be stored in a freezer-safe container for the same time frame. Thaw overnight before assembling.

Reheating

No need to reheat this cake before serving—if it’s been chilling, simply let the slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften up that dreamy frosting and bring the flavors to life.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cherry jam instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade cherry jam offers fresh, robust flavor, a good-quality cherry jam from the store can save time and still bring a delicious fruity punch to the Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer).

What if I don’t have two cake pans?

Not to worry! You can bake the batter in one tall pan and slice it into layers once it’s cool, or bake the layers one after another—just let the pan cool before re-greasing and adding new batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. The results are still ultra-moist and delicious, though the texture may be a little more delicate.

How do I keep the frosting from becoming runny?

It’s essential to use cold cream cheese and room temperature butter, and don’t overbeat after adding the cream cheese. If you want extra stability on a warm day, add a spoonful of cornstarch or milk powder to the mix!

Can I use other fruits with this recipe?

Definitely! While the Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) shines with cherries, berries like raspberries or even blackberries can make delicious substitutes if you want to spin a new flavor story.

Final Thoughts

Baking should be fun, memorable, and delicious—and this Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) absolutely delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply in the mood for a treat, I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with every swoon-worthy bite!

Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe (One Bowl and Four layer) Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 1 8-inch cake (8–10 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadence of this Easy Chocolate Cherry Cake, a luscious dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy cherry jam, and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration or sweet craving!

Instructions

Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk oil and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool cakes on a wire rack.
Cherry Jam
In a saucepan, simmer cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Thicken with cornstarch if desired. Let cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy. Add cream cheese and combine. Mix in vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar until fluffy. Fold in cherry jam.
Assemble the Cake
Level cake layers if needed. Spread frosting and jam between layers. Frost the cake and decorate as desired.

Notes

For a more intense cherry flavor, add a layer of cherry jam between the cake layers.
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at the correct temperatures for optimal frosting texture.
Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American