Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
If you’re out of cherry pie filling, you can substitute with fresh cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch. For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular. These substitutions can bring a new twist to your cake, much like how my family would often improvise with the ingredients we had on hand, making each dish uniquely ours.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step reminds me of my abuela’s meticulous mixing, ensuring every ingredient was perfectly blended.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as my mother always warned – it keeps the batter light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is reminiscent of holiday baking in our family kitchen, where patience was rewarded with delightful treats.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. This step is where the magic happens, transforming each bite into a burst of flavor.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Pour this ganache over the cherry layer.
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, much like how our family recipes matured with time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International