This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is a classic dessert, made from scratch with chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and cherry pie filling. It’s no wonder this recipe was the million-dollar winner from Pillsbury in 1974!
If there’s such a thing as the BEST homemade chocolate cherry cake recipe, this recipe is the one! It’s a soft, moist cake perfectly complimented by the sweet-tart flavor of the cherry pie filling. And let’s not forget the chocolate icing, which takes this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness.
If you’re a fan of chocolate and cherry together, you’ll love my chocolate cherry oat bars. And if you’re craving more classic chocolate desserts, my old-fashioned chocolate pie and chocolate chocolate chip cookies are worth trying!
I found this recipe while digging through the recipe boxes given to me when I got married. They are filled with handwritten notes and I was looking for a chocolate cake recipe. So when I stumbled upon this handwritten recipe for cherry chocolate cake, I knew I had to try it. It turns out there’s a reason why a friend had given me this recipe!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Pillsbury Winner: This is the million-dollar winning recipe from Pillsbury in 1974. So you know it’s a tried and tested classic that everyone will love.
- Classic Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet cherry pie filling is a timeless flavor pairing that never goes out of style.
- Leftovers Taste Great: This chocolate cherry cake actually tastes better the next day, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions or potlucks.
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Key Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base of our cake, giving it a rich, chocolatey flavor and a moist, tender crumb without the need to measure out all the individual ingredients.
- Eggs: These will be slightly beaten and then added to the cake mix, helping to bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- Cherry Pie Filling: This will be folded into the cake mix, providing a sweet and tangy surprise with every bite.
- Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon of this will enhance the chocolate and cherry flavors, giving the cake a subtle, nutty undertone.
- Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten our chocolate icing, giving it a deliciously sweet flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Butter: This will add a rich, creamy texture to the icing and also enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Milk: This will help to thin out the icing and also add a bit of sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These will be melted into the icing, giving it a smooth, chocolatey finish. You can also use dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Cake Pan – You’ll need this to bake the chocolate cake. Make sure to grease it well before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
- Saucepan – This will be used to make the chocolate icing. It’s where you’ll combine the sugar, butter, and milk, and then stir in the chocolate chips.
How to Make Chocolate Cake With Cherry Pie Filling
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚ F. You’ll also need to grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
Step 1 – Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, slightly beaten eggs, cherry pie filling, and almond extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Do not use an electric mixer.
Step 2 – Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the greased cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 350˚ F.
Step 3 – Check for Doneness
After the baking time is up, remove the cake from the oven and insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Step 4 – Prepare the Chocolate Icing
While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate icing. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted.
Step 5 – Pour Icing Over Cake
Once the chocolate icing is ready, pour it over the warm cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface. The icing will seep into the cake, making it even more moist and delicious.
Step 6 – Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely. This will allow the icing to set and the flavors to meld together. Once the cake is completely cool, it’s ready to serve.
Expert Tip
When adding the chocolate chips to the boiled sugar, butter, and milk mixture for the icing, make sure to stir the mixture well. This will help the chocolate chips to melt evenly and give your icing a smooth, creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Cupcakes: For a fun twist on this recipe, use the same batter and filling, but instead of a cake, pour the batter into cupcake liners. Bake for 15-20 minutes for delicious cherry chocolate cupcakes.
- Topping: Instead of the chocolate icing, try a chocolate ganache or glaze for your cake. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the cherry filling.
- Other Fillings: You can also use other fillings such as raspberry or blueberry pie filling. This recipe is a great base for customizing.
What to Serve With
- For a classic dessert combination, serve this chocolate cake with cherry pie filling alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich, chocolatey cake.
- If you’re a coffee lover, pair this cake with a cup of strong, black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee helps balance the sweetness of the cake, making for a delicious afternoon treat.
- Hosting a brunch? This cake can also be served as a sweet addition to your spread. Pair it with some fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice for a refreshing start to the day.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! While this recipe calls for cherry pie filling, feel free to experiment with other flavors like blueberry, apple, or even a mixed berry filling. Just make sure to choose a flavor that compliments the chocolate cake well.
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake batter from scratch, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
The almond extract adds a nice flavor to the cake and compliments the cherry filling, but if you’re not a fan of almond flavor, you can omit it. The cake will still turn out delicious with just the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter can add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Just make sure to fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the cake pan.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, this cake does not freeze well due to the moist nature of the cherry pie filling.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it can make the cake dry.
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Serving Size
- What to Expect: This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling recipe yields a delicious 9×13 inch cake, enough to serve 12 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger cake pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as a larger cake may take a little longer to bake.
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Video
Ingredients
Cake:
- 13.25 oz chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs slightly beaten
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Icing:
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Cup butter
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, pie filling, and almond extract using a spatula or large spoon. Pour batter into the cake pan. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 350˚ F.
- Remove from oven once toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Chocolate Icing
- Combine the sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the icing over the warm cake and let cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally shared in 2014. Updated in 2018 with new pictures. Updated again to give more detailed instructions.
Do you use salted or unsalted butter for frosting?
I always use salted because that is what I typically have on hand.
How long/what temperature for making cupcakes?
I love this recipe so much I made my Two tier wedding cake with it. Frosted it with chocolate almond buttercream and sprinkled with toasted almonds. Everyone was pleasantly surprised!
Yum! This would be amazing as a wedding cake! Congratulations, by the way! 🙂
How much gms of Cake mix do you mean by One package?
The chocolate cake mix mentioned in the recipe is around 15.25 ounces. You’ll have to convert to grams to make this recipe if that is what you’re used to baking with.
I didn’t make the cake but I made the icing for another cake. It was just like the cooked icing my mom use to make. I LOVED it.
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it.
I don’t have regular sugar. I hope powdered sugar will work for the icing.
I’ve never tried it with powdered sugar. A quick look online says you can use it as a replacement but will need to change the quantity. Let me know how it goes. I’m curious. 🙂
hello
can I use blueberry pie filling instead of the cherry
Yes! Let me know how it turns out. I love blueberry with chocolate.
Can you put it in a bundt pan?
Hi Andrea, I’ve never tried it in a bundt pan, but I’m not sure if the consistency of this cake would do well. It’s a super moist and soft cake so it might be difficult getting it out of the bundt pan. If you do decide to try it, make sure to adjust your baking time. And of course, let me know how it goes!
My mom has made this before. Only, she let’s it cool before frosting.
I baked this cake yesterday, first off I am not a baker person, can’t remember last time I baked a cake! This is so easy and better yet so GOOD I’m sure I will bake it again. Thanks for sharing it.
So glad you enjoyed it Cindy! It’s such a great chocolate cake recipe – that’s super moist! It’s my go-to cake recipe when I have to take something to a potluck or friend’s house. Thanks for sharing!
I have been making this cake for a very long time. It is my family’s favorite cake in the whole world. Thanks for sharing it.