Name: Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 2 tsp baking powder; 1½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1½ cups buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped; 1 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 23 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a harmonious blend of rich chocolate paired with fresh berry flavors, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe. This cake is a luscious celebration of textures and tastes, with moist, deeply chocolatey layers nestled around a vibrant cherry and strawberry filling, all topped off with a glossy, silky dark chocolate ganache. It feels like a symphony for your palate that will leave everyone at your table singing its praises.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the back row, from left to right, there is a large beige paper bag of flour, a clear glass bottle filled with milk, a white bag of confectioners sugar with blue and red text, a yellow rectangular container filled with a yellow powder, a small white container with a red lid, and a tall dark brown bottle with a label. In the middle, there are six white eggs sitting on a clear glass plate. In front and to the left are two small white bowls, one filled with white powdered sugar and the other with dark brown cocoa powder topped with four square pieces of chocolate. On the right side, there are two small white bowls, one filled with red strawberries with green tops and the other filled with dark red cherries, some with stems. Everything is neatly placed and the lighting is natural and soft. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this indulgent dessert. From the rich cocoa powder to the fresh berries, every element comes together beautifully.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for tender yet sturdy cake layers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a fine crumb texture.
Cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that deep chocolate flavor, it’s key to the cake’s velvety richness.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang for complexity in flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the chocolate taste.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s rich texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor with warmth.
Hot water: Helps ‘bloom’ the cocoa powder, unlocking a deeper, more vibrant chocolate profile.
Fresh strawberries and cherries: The fresh fruit brings brightness and natural sweetness to the filling.
Granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens and thickens the berry mixture.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the berry compote to a luscious filling consistency.
Lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance sweetness and enhance berry flavors.
Dark chocolate: The foundation for the rich ganache topping, adding luxurious depth.
Heavy cream: Creates the smooth, glossy ganache that finishes the cake impeccably.

How to Make Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and readying two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour. Mixing the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—creates the foundation for the cake’s tenderness and rise. Adding the wet ingredients next, including the buttermilk and eggs, ensures moisture and richness. The real magic happens when you gradually pour in hot water: this thins the batter but ‘blooms’ the cocoa powder, multiplying the depth of chocolate flavor. Bake these thin, luscious layers until a toothpick emerges clean. Trust me, the smell alone is worth the wait!

Step 2: Create the Cherry and Strawberry Filling

This vibrant berry filling brings the freshness and natural sweetness that balances the decadence of the chocolate. Combine diced strawberries, chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to the perfect jammy consistency, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cool this completely for easy spreading and a flawless finish in your cake layers.

Step 3: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Ganache

This luscious ganache is the crown jewel of the Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe. Warm the heavy cream just until it’s simmering but not boiling, then pour it over finely chopped dark chocolate. Let it stand for a few minutes before stirring gently until it transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce. Let it cool slightly so it thickens enough to drizzle beautifully over your assembled masterpiece.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Start with one chocolate cake layer on your serving plate and lovingly spread the cooled cherry-strawberry filling evenly across the surface. Gently place the second cake layer on top, then pour the velvety ganache over the top. Watch as it cascades down the sides, adding a dramatic yet elegant touch. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow everything to set perfectly before cutting into this glorious symphony of flavors.

How to Serve Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe

The image shows a three-layer chocolate cake on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Each chocolate layer is dark brown and moist looking. Between layers, there is a thick bright red filling, possibly cherry or berry, and a smooth light brown chocolate cream piped in delicate swirls. The top layer has larger swirls of the same chocolate cream, with small dark chocolate crumbs sprinkled on top. On the cake’s top, there are several bright red cherries with green stems evenly placed. A few cherries and crumbs are scattered around the wooden base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of luxury and visual appeal, try adorning your cake with fresh cherries or sliced strawberries on top of the ganache. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh mint leaves can elevate the presentation and add an aromatic freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

This cake is a complete indulgence on its own, but if you want to add a refreshing side, consider serving with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess cuts through the richness and complements the fruity filling perfectly. Fresh berry salad with a hint of lemon zest is another delightful companion that echoes the filling’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this fabulous Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe into a showstopper at your next gathering by serving it on a beautiful cake stand surrounded by scattered berries. For an intimate twist, bake this cake in smaller pans or muffin tins for individual servings. You can even layer it into glasses parfait-style, with cake pieces, filling, and ganache spooned in layers for a stunning visual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake covered snugly in the refrigerator to maintain the moistness and freshness of the layers and filling. Properly stored, it will remain delicious for up to three days. Before slicing, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While this cake is best served at room temperature or chilled, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, simply microwave a portion for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to heat too long to avoid melting the ganache excessively. Enjoy the luscious melt-in-your-mouth sensation with every bite!

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid it becoming too runny.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or gelatin products.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

While butter adds a fabulous flavor, using oil keeps the cake extra moist and tender. If you swap for melted butter, expect a slightly denser texture but still delicious results.

How long will the assembled cake stay fresh?

When stored covered in the refrigerator, the cake will maintain its deliciousness for up to three days. After that, the texture and flavors may start to diminish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix of equal quantity, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Cocoa Cherry Strawberry Symphony: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe. It’s a dessert that turns any occasion into a celebration, combining rich chocolate depth and fresh fruit brightness in a way that’s irresistible. Whether you’re throwing a party or simply treating yourself on a quiet evening, this cake promises to be a memorable indulgence. Go ahead, dive in and let this symphony play on your taste buds—you’ll be so glad you did!