Mocha and Cherry Cake



Mocha and Cherry Cake
Makes: 14 to 16 servings
Prep: 50 mins Bake: 350°F 25 mins Cool: 1 hr
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  • user reviews (1)
Mocha and Cherry Cake
Ingredients
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2
    cups granulated sugar
  • 1 3/4
    cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4
    cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2
    teaspoons baking soda
  • 1
    teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2
    teaspoon salt
  • 2
    eggs
  • 1
    cup buttermilk or sour milk*
  • 1
    cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2
    cup cooking oil
  • 2
    teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 1/2
    cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2
    cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2
    cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
  • 1/2
    cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
  • 2/3
    cup butter
  • 1/2
    cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 7 1/2
    cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 1/2 - 2/3
    cup milk
  • 2
    teaspoons vanilla
  • Shaved semisweet chocolate, optional
  • Edible flower petals, optional
Directions

1. Grease two 9x1-1/2-inch round baking pans; sprinkle lightly with cocoa powder; set aside. In a very large mixing bowl combine the 2 cups granulated sugar, flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds until combined, then for 2 minutes on medium speed.

2. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool completely. Split each cake horizontally to make 4 layers total.

3. For filling, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and chocolate pieces. Gently stir in cherries. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1/3 of the filling on the bottom layer of cake. Top with another cake layer. Continue layering the filling and cake, ending with cake.

4. For frosting, in a bowl beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add the 1/2 cup cocoa powder and half of the powdered sugar. Slowly beat in half of the milk and the remaining vanilla. Beat in remaining powdered sugar. Beat in additional milk until of spreading consistency. Frost cake. Garnish with shaved chocolate and edible flower petals, if desired. Makes 14 to 16 servings.

From the Test Kitchen
  • Note *If you don't have buttermilk on hand, substitute sour milk. For each cup of sour milk needed, place 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Add enough milk to make 1 cup total liquid; stir. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes before using.
  • Make Ahead Tip Make and frost cake. Cover and chill in the refrigerator up to 12 hours. Garnish with shaved chocolate and edible flower petals, if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Mocha and Cherry Cake)
  • Servings Per Recipe 14,
  • Calories 698,
  • Protein (gm) 10,
  • Carbohydrate (gm) 113,
  • Fat, total (gm) 25,
  • Cholesterol (mg) 45,
  • Saturated fat (gm) 5,
  • Dietary Fiber, total (gm) 1,
  • Vitamin A (RE) 185,
  • Sodium (mg) 385,
  • Calcium (DV %) 212,
  • Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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Reviews (1)
4732355083
LDCupuc1 wrote:

I made this cake today, and it is stunning! But, it took much longer to make than expected and the total cost for the ingredients is expensive. I will make a few of these as Christmas gifts, but only for my closest friends. I have a six quart Kitchen Aid stand mixer and needed all that room. This is a tall cake that does not fit in a standard glass cake stand with a domed cover. Not for beginning bakers.

12/12/2011 04:38:34 PM Report Abuse

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