Drunken Cherry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Drunken Cherry Chocolate Cake – a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with boozy rum-soaked cherries and velvety cream cheese frosting. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions, offering the ideal blend of dark chocolate, fresh cherries, and a touch of golden rum. Create this show-stopping cake at home with simple ingredients and elevate your dessert table with its elegant presentation and luscious flavors. Find expert tips, ingredient variations, and answers to your FAQs to perfect this recipe and impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup warm milk (1% milk used here)
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder (natural and dutched blend recommended)
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt

For the Filling:

• 4 cups (1 lb) fresh cherries, pitted
• ½ cup golden rum (e.g., Bacardi Gold)
• ¼ cup cold filtered water

For the Frosting:

• 2 sticks (1 cup or 16 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened and cut into 16 pieces
• 4 Tbsp reserved cherry rum syrup

To Decorate:

• Shaved semi-sweet chocolate
• Fresh cherries

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Boozy Cherries

1. Rinse, drain, and pit the cherries. Roughly chop them and place in a medium bowl with ½ cup golden rum. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Drain the cherries in a sieve, reserving both the cherries and the syrup for later use.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on high speed for 7 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the warm milk until smooth.
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans briefly, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a stand mixer, beat butter, powdered sugar, and salt on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the cream cheese one piece at a time, mixing after each addition. Once incorporated, beat for 1 more minute.
3. Mix in 4 Tbsp of the reserved cherry syrup, one tablespoon at a time, until fully combined. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Slice each cake horizontally into two layers. Place the first layer cut side up on a cake stand.
2. Combine the remaining cherry syrup with ¼ cup of cold filtered water. Brush the first cake layer with ⅓ of the syrup mixture.
3. Spread frosting over the layer and top with ⅓ of the boozy cherries. Repeat for the next two layers, leaving the final layer bare.
4. Refrigerate the cake for 15–20 minutes, then frost the top and sides.
5. Decorate with shaved chocolate and fresh cherries.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This decadent cake combines the richness of dark chocolate with the bold flavor of rum-soaked cherries, creating a luxurious dessert perfect for any celebration.

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Tips

• Use a serrated knife for slicing cake layers to prevent crumbling.
• For the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter.
• Chill the frosting if it becomes too soft while assembling.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace rum with cherry juice or a mix of cherry juice and vanilla extract.
• Flour Substitute: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Cocoa Powder: Experiment with different types of cocoa for varied flavor profiles.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature.

Q: What type of rum works best?
A: Golden or dark rum adds depth to the flavor, but you can use your favorite variety.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a glass of dessert wine or freshly brewed coffee.