Rich and moist chocolate cherry cake with a hint of coffee

This Chocolate Cherry Cake is a decadent treat that stays moist on its own, without the need for additional dipping. The unique method of rubbing sugar with the cherries gives the cake a deep cherry flavor in every bite. The cake is enhanced with a touch of coffee and optional white chocolate chunks, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you enjoy it alone or with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Why you'll love this recipe:
You'll love this cake for its rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the fresh taste of cherries. Rubbing the sugar with the cherries before baking adds a depth of flavor that permeates the entire cake. Adding coffee enhances the chocolate, making the cake even more indulgent. Plus, the cake stays perfectly moist without any extra steps, making it both simple and satisfying to make.

Perfect opportunity:
This cake is perfect for any occasion, from informal family gatherings to more special celebrations. It's an ideal dessert to serve with coffee or tea, and its rich flavors make it a wonderful choice for a dinner with friends. The cherry and chocolate combination is timeless, making it a treat for all ages.

Decorating tips:
For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled cake with icing sugar or drizzle with a simple chocolate glaze. You can also garnish the top with a few fresh cherries or small white chocolate shavings for added elegance. Serve the cake on a decorative plate or cake stand to highlight its rich, inviting appearance.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 large eggs
• 100 g unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup brewed coffee (hot, but not boiling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 sachet of baking powder (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 sachet vanilla extract (about 2 teaspoons)

For the filling:

• 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• White chocolate pieces (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cherry sugar:
   • In a bowl, mix 5 pitted cherries with the granulated sugar.
   • Rub the cherries into the sugar with your hands until the sugar turns pink from the cherry juice. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients:
   • Add the melted butter to the cherry sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
   • Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in yogurt, vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients:
   • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
   • Pour in the hot coffee and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
5. Prepare the cake for baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
   • Line a cake tin with baking paper and pour the batter into the tin.
   • Scatter the remaining cherries over the top of the batter. If using, add small pieces of white chocolate as well.

6. Bake the cake:
   • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Adjust the cooking time according to your needs depending on your oven (the cake in this recipe took 64 minutes).

7. Let cool and serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the tin before removing it from the tin. Cut it into slices and serve, possibly garnished with icing sugar, fresh cherries or white chocolate shavings.

Appreciate!

This chocolate cherry cake is rich, moist and full of flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. The combination of cherries, cocoa and a hint of coffee creates a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.