Luscious Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Dream-Like Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts have a way of stealing hearts, and this cherry chocolate cream cheese bundt cake effortlessly captures pure indulgence.

Sweet, tangy cherries dance through rich chocolate layers that promise an unforgettable taste experience.

Dense cream cheese swirls create unexpected pockets of creamy delight throughout each slice.

The deep burgundy fruit adds dramatic color and vibrant flavor to this stunning cake.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the intense cocoa notes mingling with bright cherry undertones.

Every forkful delivers a complex symphony of textures and tastes that elevate simple baking into an art form.

Prepare to transform an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients in Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for classic bundt cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, tender crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy rise throughout the cake.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious tangy smoothness and incredible moisture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, velvety texture and deep buttery undertones.
  • Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to cake's tender structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the entire dessert.
For Fruity and Chocolate Elements:
  • Fresh Cherries: Brings juicy, vibrant bursts of natural sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers decadent, melty chocolate pockets throughout cake.
  • Cherry Preserves: Intensifies cherry flavor and adds glossy, fruity dimension.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides deep, rich chocolate undertone and beautiful color.

Tools to Help Bake a Cherry Chocolate Bundt Cake with Ease

  • Bundt pan: Large, fluted cake pan with a hole in the center for even baking.
  • Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing batter.
  • Mixing bowls: Large and medium-sized for combining ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
  • Rubber spatula: To scrape down bowl sides and fold ingredients gently.
  • Wire cooling rack: For letting cake cool completely after baking.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: To evenly distribute dry ingredients.

How to Bake a Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your Bundt pan a quick spray or buttery coating to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Blend the Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until they create a fluffy, light cloud that looks like pure happiness.

  • Add Moisture and Flavor

Fold in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla, creating a silky smooth batter that promises deliciousness.

  • Create the Dry Foundation

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring a lump-free blend that will make your cake light and airy.

  • Marry the Mixtures

Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed – overmixing is the enemy of tender cakes.

  • Sprinkle the Goodies

Carefully fold in fresh cherries and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of flavor in every slice.

  • Pour and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula, and slide it into the waiting oven.

  • Check for Perfection

Bake for about 50-60 minutes, testing with a toothpick that comes out clean when the cake is ready.

  • Cool and Decorate

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar for a stunning finish.

Ways to Enhance Cherry Chocolate Flavor and Texture

  • Cherry Chocolate Swirl Magic: Gently fold fresh or frozen cherries into the batter for bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cake.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and rich texture.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk for a lighter, allergy-friendly version.
  • Decoration Pro Tip: Dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for a stunning presentation that takes minimal extra effort.

Serving Tips for Slicing Cherry Chocolate Bundt Cake

  • Romantic Dessert Date Night: Slice this decadent cake and serve with two forks, creating an intimate sharing moment perfect for couples enjoying a special evening together.
  • Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the bundt cake on a beautiful cake stand, dust with powdered sugar, and place fresh cherries around the base for an elegant breakfast or brunch presentation.
  • Coffee Companion Delight: Pair each slice with a warm cup of medium roast coffee or cappuccino, allowing the chocolate and cherry flavors to complement the rich coffee notes.
  • Festive Garnish Option: Top individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and a few fresh cherries to elevate the dessert's visual appeal and add extra flavor complexity.

Storing Your Bundt Cake So It Stays Moist and Bold

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and delicate flavor intact.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake 2-3 days before serving to allow flavors to develop and blend beautifully, enhancing its rich chocolate and cherry profile.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month without compromising taste or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Slice and Serve Trick: Cut individual slices and place wax paper between them when storing in the freezer, making it easy to grab a single serving whenever a sweet craving hits.
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Luscious Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Luscious Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delicious cherry chocolate cream cheese bundt cake brings together rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and smooth cream cheese in a perfect dessert fusion. Sweet notes and creamy textures invite bakers to savor each luxurious slice with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz or 432 g) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup (150 g) canned cherry pie filling
  • 3 large eggs
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 mL) water
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsps (3045 mL) milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously coat a Bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter and flour to ensure seamless cake release.
  2. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 350F (175C), confirming precise temperature for uniform baking.
  3. Cream Base: Whip softened cream cheese and butter into a silky, aerated mixture, creating a luxurious foundation for the cake.
  4. Sugar Integration: Gradually blend granulated sugar, whipping until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, homogeneous texture.
  5. Egg Incorporation: Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to achieve a smooth, unified batter.
  6. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, eliminating potential clumps and ensuring even distribution.
  7. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, minimizing stirring to preserve the cake’s tender crumb.
  8. Flavor Infusion: Gently fold cherries and chocolate chips throughout the batter, creating pockets of delightful surprise.
  9. Pan Filling: Carefully pour the velvety batter into the prepared Bundt pan, leveling the surface with a spatula for consistent baking.
  10. Baking Process: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges pristine and clean.
  11. Cooling Technique: Allow cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack, releasing with gentle patience.
  12. Finishing Touch: Once completely cooled, adorn with optional glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Use non-stick spray or thoroughly grease and flour Bundt pan to ensure smooth cake release without tearing.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Fold cherries and chocolate gently to prevent excess liquid from weighing down the batter and creating dense texture.
  • Achieve Perfect Texture: Mix wet and dry ingredients minimally to maintain a light, tender crumb and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
  • Temperature Precision: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before creaming to ensure smooth, even incorporation and optimal cake structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 296
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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