Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate, luxurious cream, and sweet cherries with this spectacular Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries. This elegant dessert brings together the best elements of classic European baking, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for any special occasion.
What is Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries?
Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist chocolate sponge cake, silky Chantilly cream (sweetened whipped cream), and fresh or preserved cherries. This sophisticated dessert draws inspiration from the famous Black Forest cake while offering a refined French twist with the addition of traditional Chantilly cream.
Why This Chocolate Cherry Combination is Irresistible
The marriage of chocolate and cherries has captivated dessert lovers for centuries. The rich, deep flavors of chocolate perfectly complement the bright, tart sweetness of cherries, while the light, airy Chantilly cream provides a luxurious texture contrast. This chocolate cake with cherries recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 175g unsalted butter
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 100g plain flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 150ml hot coffee (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Chantilly Cream:
- 500ml heavy cream (35% fat content)
- 80g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp kirsch (optional)
For the Cherry Component:
- 400g fresh cherries, pitted
- 100g granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 200ml cherry juice or syrup
For Assembly and Decoration:
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream Recipe
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (plus chilling)
Serves: 10-12 people
Making the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat and prepare: Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
- Melt chocolate and butter: Using a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients: Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add melted chocolate mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together.
- Fold together: Gently fold dry ingredients into chocolate mixture. Add hot coffee if using.
- Bake: Divide between prepared tins and bake for 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow to cool in tins for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks.
Preparing the Chantilly Cream:
- Chill equipment: Ensure bowl and beaters are cold.
- Whip cream: Beat cream until soft peaks form.
- Add sweetening: Gradually add icing sugar, vanilla, and kirsch (if using).
- Perfect consistency: Continue beating until medium peaks form. Don’t over-whip.
Making the Cherry Compote:
- Cook cherries: Combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Thicken: Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, add to cherries, and cook until thickened.
- Cool completely: Allow cherry mixture to cool before assembly.
Assembly Instructions:
- Prepare cake layers: Level cake tops if needed and cut each cake in half horizontally.
- First layer: Place bottom layer on serving plate, brush with cherry syrup.
- Add fillings: Spread Chantilly cream, then add cherry compote.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering cake, cream, and cherries.
- Final coating: Cover entire cake with remaining Chantilly cream.
- Decorate: Top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries
Achieving the Perfect Texture:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing
- Don’t overmix: Gentle folding preserves the cake’s tender crumb
- Coffee enhancement: Hot coffee intensifies chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste
- Proper chilling: Chill assembled cake for at least 2 hours before serving
Chantilly Cream Perfection:
- Cold cream is crucial: Use cream straight from the refrigerator
- Watch for over-whipping: Stop at medium peaks to avoid grainy texture
- Stabilization tip: Add 1 tsp gelatin dissolved in warm water for longer-lasting cream
Cherry Selection and Preparation:
- Fresh vs. preserved: Fresh cherries provide better texture, but quality preserved cherries work well
- Balancing sweetness: Adjust sugar based on cherry tartness
- Drainage importance: Ensure cherry compote is well-drained to prevent soggy cake
Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream Variations
Flavor Enhancements:
- Liqueur additions: Add rum, brandy, or amaretto to cake layers
- Chocolate variations: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate for different flavor profiles
- Fruit alternatives: Try raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries
- Spice additions: Add cinnamon or cardamom to the chocolate cake
Presentation Options:
- Individual portions: Make mini cakes in ramekins for elegant service
- Naked cake style: Leave sides partially exposed for rustic charm
- Tiered version: Create multiple tiers for special celebrations
- Cupcake adaptation: Transform into cupcakes with cherry cream topping
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigeration required: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Freezing components: Cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Assembly timing: Best assembled 4-6 hours before serving
- Transport tips: Use cake boxes or carriers to prevent damage
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Day before: Bake cake layers and prepare cherry compote
- Day of serving: Make Chantilly cream and assemble cake
- Last-minute touches: Add final decorations just before serving
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 485
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with almond flour and gluten-free flour blend
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugar content and use sugar alternatives
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream for Chantilly cream alternative
- Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes
Perfect Occasions for Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries
This sophisticated dessert shines at:
- Birthday celebrations and milestone events
- Anniversary dinners and romantic occasions
- Holiday gatherings and festive meals
- Dinner parties and elegant entertaining
- Wedding celebrations and special ceremonies
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Ideal Pairings:
- Red wine: Pinot Noir or light Merlot
- Dessert wine: Port or cherry wine
- Coffee: Espresso or dark roast coffee
- Liqueurs: Kirsch, Cherry Heering, or Amaretto
- Non-alcoholic: Cherry juice or sparkling water with lime
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cake Problems:
- Dry cake: Don’t overbake, check doneness with skewer
- Sunken center: Ensure proper leavening and don’t open oven door early
- Cracked top: Lower oven temperature and use correct tin size
Cream Issues:
- Grainy texture: Cream was over-whipped or too warm
- Won’t whip: Cream fat content too low or equipment not cold
- Deflating: Over-mixing or temperature too warm
Conclusion
Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries represents the pinnacle of classic dessert making, combining rich chocolate flavors with luxurious cream and vibrant cherries. This elegant dessert transforms any occasion into a memorable celebration while showcasing your baking skills.
Whether you’re creating this masterpiece for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to extraordinary flavors, this comprehensive guide ensures your chocolate cake with Chantilly cream and cherries will be absolutely perfect. The combination of techniques, tips, and variations provides everything needed to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Ready to create your own chocolate and cherry masterpiece? Gather your finest ingredients and prepare to impress with this show-stopping Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Cherries that promises to become your signature dessert.
Keywords:
