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Cherry Garcia Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

Cherry Garcia Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

This indulgent Cherry Garcia Chocolate Cherry Cake combines moist French vanilla cake layers infused with chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, layered with luscious cherry buttercream and vanilla frosting. Finished with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, and whole cherries, this cake is a celebration-worthy dessert inspired by the iconic Cherry Garcia flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 2 boxes French vanilla cake mix
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups chopped maraschino cherries
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cherry Frosting

  • 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 teaspoons cherry extract
  • 3–6 drops red gel food coloring

Vanilla Frosting

  • 3 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3–6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Decoration

  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate shaving sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries with stem

Equipment

  • 3 9-inch round cake pans
  • 1 10-inch round cake board
  • Cake leveler
  • Angled spatula
  • Large piping bag fitted with large star tip

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray the three 9-inch cake pans with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Cake Batter: Using a standing mixer, beat together the French vanilla cake mix, whole milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter without overmixing to maintain airiness.
  4. Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on the counter before frosting.
  7. Prepare Cherry Frosting: In a clean standing mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cherry extract, and red gel food coloring for 5-7 minutes until the frosting is smooth and forms stiff peaks.
  8. Set Cherry Frosting Aside: Scoop the cherry frosting into a bowl and set aside for assembling the cake.
  9. Prepare Vanilla Frosting: Clean the mixer bowl and beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream for 5-7 minutes until smooth and fluffy with stiff peaks.
  10. Prepare Piping Bag: Scoop 1½ cups of the vanilla frosting into the large piping bag fitted with a star tip and set aside for decorating.
  11. Level Cake Layers: Use the cake leveler to trim the domes off each cake layer so that all three layers are flat and even.
  12. Assemble First Layer: Place one cake round onto the 10-inch cake board. Spread 1½ cups of cherry frosting evenly over the top with the angled spatula.
  13. Assemble Second Layer: Place the second cake round on top of the frosted first layer and spread another 1½ cups of cherry frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Assemble Third Layer: Place the third cake round on top of the second layer.
  15. Frost Entire Cake: Use the remaining vanilla frosting to cover the top and sides of the entire cake smoothly with an angled spatula.
  16. Decorate Base: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly around the base of the cake for added texture and appearance.
  17. Pipe Frosting Dollops: Pipe decorative dollops of vanilla frosting evenly spaced along the top edge of the cake using the prepared piping bag.
  18. Add Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shaving sprinkles generously over each frosting dollop for a rich chocolate accent.
  19. Top with Cherries: Place one maraschino cherry with the stem on top of each piped frosting dollop for a classic finishing touch.
  20. Serve: Slice the finished cake and enjoy the rich combination of cherry and chocolate flavors in every bite!

Notes

  • Make sure cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring in cherry frosting to achieve your desired hue without overpowering flavor.
  • For best results, use fresh high-quality maraschino cherries and drain them well before chopping or decorating.
  • Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
  • This cake can be frozen for up to 1 month; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
  • Use a serrated knife for cleaner cake slices and to avoid crushing the layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cherry Garcia Cake, Chocolate Cherry Cake, Chocolate Cherry Dessert, Cherry Buttercream Cake, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake, Maraschino Cherry Cake

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/cherry-garcia-chocolate-cherry-cake-recipe/