5-Step Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling Recipe
The smell of fresh chocolate cake mixed with cherry pie filling brings back childhood memories. It’s a classic dessert that has been loved for decades. This recipe, from Pillsbury in 1974, is a true treasure waiting to be enjoyed again.
This cake is special because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. The moist chocolate cake is the base, and the sweet-tart cherry filling adds a delightful contrast. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties, or just when you need a treat.
Let’s explore how to make this beloved dessert. We’ll follow easy steps and get expert tips to make your Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling a showstopper. Get ready for a baking experience that will impress you and your loved ones.
Table of Contents
The Million-Dollar Dessert Story
The story of this chocolate cherry cake recipe began in 1974. It won the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest’s top prize. This mix of chocolate cake and cherry pie filling has become a favorite over the years. It’s often found in family recipe books.
Pillsbury’s Award-Winning Creation
In 1974, Pillsbury’s Bake-Off Contest saw thousands of entries. But one dessert, the 5-Step Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling Recipe, caught the judges’ eyes. Its rich chocolate and cherry flavors won it the $1 million grand prize. This made it a true culinary legend.
Legacy of the 1974 Recipe
The 5-Step Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling Recipe is still loved today. Its lasting popularity shows how much people enjoy its indulgent flavors and classic combinations. Many home bakers keep this recipe close, finding it in their family’s recipe books. It’s a delicious reminder of the timeless charm of decadent desserts.
“This recipe has been a treasured family favorite for generations. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries is simply irresistible.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Chocolate Masterpiece
Making a tasty cherry chocolate cake is simpler than you might think. You’ll need a rich chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling, and creamy chocolate icing. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both fruity and chocolatey.
Begin with a quality chocolate cake mix as the base. It makes the cake moist and chocolatey. You’ll also need eggs, almond extract, and sugar to boost the flavor. The cherry pie filling adds a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with the chocolate.
To make the chocolate icing, mix butter, milk, powdered sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can try different chocolate chips, like milk or dark chocolate, to make it your own.
With these ingredients, you’re set to bake a cherry chocolate masterpiece. It’s sure to wow your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy the perfect mix of fruit and chocolate!
“The combination of cherry and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe takes that classic pairing to new heights of deliciousness.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Baking delicious baked desserts and homemade treats needs the right tools. For the chocolate cherry cake with cherry pie filling, you’ll need a few key items. These will help make your cake perfect.
Baking Essentials
- 9×13 inch cake pan – for baking the chocolate cake
- Saucepan – for preparing the chocolate icing
- Mixer – to combine the cake ingredients thoroughly
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for precise ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon – helpful for poking holes in the cake for some variations
Mixing and Measuring Tools
Getting the right flavors and textures is all about precise measurements. Make sure you have these tools ready:
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients
- Hand mixer – to whip up the chocolate icing to the perfect consistency
- Spatula – for smoothing the icing and assembling the cake
Optional Decorating Equipment
Feel creative? Add some decorations to your homemade treats. You’ll need:
- Piping bags and tips – for creating intricate designs on the cake
- Wire rack – to ensure even cooling of the cake layers
With these tools, you’re ready to make a stunning cherry chocolate cake with pie filling. It will impress your family and friends.
Chocolate Cake with Cherry Pie Filling: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a delicious chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a treat that will make your taste buds happy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup of water, and 1 (21 oz) can of cherry pie filling. Mix until everything is well mixed.
- Coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. Pour the cake batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out free of batter. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
While the cake cools, make the chocolate icing. In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth.
Spread the warm icing evenly over the cooled cake. Let the icing set before cutting and serving. This recipe makes 8-12 servings, depending on how big you like your slices.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 553 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 81 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 607 mg |
| Potassium | 340 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
For a lighter dessert, use sugar-free chocolate pudding mix, low-fat milk, and light whipped topping. The cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake with cherry pie filling, a sweet treat for any time!
Making the Perfect Chocolate Icing
Take your chocolate cake to the next level with a rich chocolate icing. The secret is in getting the icing just right and applying it at the perfect time. Let’s explore how to make an icing that will match the cake’s moist and tasty flavors.
Achieving the Right Consistency
To get a smooth and creamy icing, watch the ingredient ratios closely. Mix sugar, butter, and milk in a pan, then boil for 1 minute. After cooling, add high-quality chocolate chips and stir until they melt and mix in. This should give you a smooth icing that spreads well over your cake.
Timing Your Icing Application
Applying the icing at the right time is key. Pour it over the cake while it’s still warm, right after you make it. This lets the icing soak into the cake, making it even more moist and flavorful. Make sure to stir well when adding chocolate chips for a smooth texture.
Mastering the chocolate icing will take your dessert to new heights. A moist cake with a rich, velvety icing is a perfect combination. It will satisfy your taste buds and impress everyone.
Expert Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Cake
Baking the perfect baked desserts and homemade treats is more than just a recipe. To make your sweet recipes moist, flavorful, and irresistible, follow these expert tips:
- Use room temperature eggs for smooth mixing. This makes the cake batter lush and velvety.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings. This prevents them from melting and keeps flavors and textures together.
- Try a lighter version with sugar-free pudding mix, low-fat milk, and light whipped topping. It’s lower in calories and fat but still tastes great.
- Try experimenting with different pie fillings and cake mix flavors. While cherry and chocolate are timeless classics, blueberry or raspberry fillings offer equally delightful options.
- When making the icing, stir well to melt the chocolate chips evenly. This makes a rich, smooth frosting that goes well with the cake.
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts to the batter. They add a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft cake.
The cake often tastes better the next day. It’s a great make-ahead homemade treat for any gathering or holiday baking.
Creative Variations and Flavor Combinations
The classic chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is a treat. But, it’s even better when you try different fruit fillings. Raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry fillings can create new indulgent flavors. These classic combinations will surely please your taste buds.
Alternative Fruit Fillings
- Raspberry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
- Mixed berry pie filling
- Lemon creme pie filling
- Apple pie filling
- Pumpkin pie filling
Frosting Variations
Don’t be afraid to try new frostings. While chocolate icing is great, you can also use chocolate ganache or chocolate glaze. These options offer different textures and tastes.
| Frosting Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Ganache | A smooth, creamy mixture of chocolate and heavy cream, offering a decadent, fudgy texture. |
| Chocolate Glaze | A shiny, pourable chocolate coating that creates a glossy, mirror-like finish on the cake. |
| Whipped Cream | A light and airy topping that complements the rich chocolate and fruit flavors. |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | A tangy and creamy frosting that provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake. |
Choose toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or fresh fruit. They add texture and make the cake look great.
Try a black forest-inspired version with sour cherries and cherry liqueur. Or, make cupcakes for fun and easy servings.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
After enjoying this homemade treat and decadent dessert, you might wonder how to store and serve it. Here are some easy tips to keep your chocolate cherry cake moist and flavorful for longer.
For leftovers, put the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Since the cherry pie filling adds moisture, it’s best to eat it fresh. To serve, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but don’t overheat it.
For even better results, make the cake 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate it, covered with plastic wrap. This way, it can stay good for up to 5 days in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy its moist texture and rich taste.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature (in airtight container) | 3 days |
| Refrigerated (covered with plastic wrap) | 5 days |
| Frozen | Not recommended |
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your chocolate cherry cake for days. Enjoy every bite!
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this chocolate cherry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cool ice cream make a perfect comfort food mix. For a twist, try it with black coffee to balance the sweetness and highlight the chocolate flavors.
Make your brunch special with this chocolate cherry masterpiece. Add fresh seasonal fruit and orange juice. The cake’s indulgent flavors will be a hit.
For a treat, top the cake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This classic combination is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Serve it with sweet dessert wine or port for a fancy touch.
For a refreshing contrast, try the cake with lemon sorbet. The lemon’s bright taste balances the cake’s richness, making a delightful mix.
| Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | The classic combination of warm chocolate cake and cool, creamy ice cream creates a comforting dessert experience. |
| Black Coffee | The bold, rich flavor of black coffee helps to balance the sweetness of the cake, enhancing the chocolate notes. |
| Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings | A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings add an extra layer of indulgence to the cake. |
| Dessert Wine or Port | A sweet dessert wine or port can complement the rich, indulgent flavors of the cake, making it a sophisticated pairing for special occasions. |
| Lemon Sorbet | The bright, tart notes of lemon sorbet help to balance the sweetness of the cake, creating a refreshing and classic combination. |
Conclusion
This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling recipe is a perfect mix of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing, making it great for both new and experienced bakers. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
It’s perfect for any special event or just a cozy treat. The chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is a hit, earning its million-dollar recipe title. Your loved ones will love these decadent desserts and homemade treats.
It’s quick to prepare in just 10 minutes and cooks in 50 to 55 minutes. It makes 8 to 12 servings, ideal for sharing or satisfying a big group. So, why not make this chocolate cake with cherry pie filling for your family today?