Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte

Cherry-Glazed Chocolate Torte with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with a creamy cream cheese filling and a sweet cherry glaze. It's the perfect treat for any special occasion or just when you're craving something sweet.

History

The combination of chocolate and cherries has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries. This recipe takes that classic combination and turns it into a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

0.5 cup (1 stick) melted butter or margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup Hershey's cocoa
0.25 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
1 pkg (8 oz (227 g)) softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup thawed frozen whipped topping
1 can (21 oz (595 g)) divided cherry pie filling

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease the bottom only of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
In a large bowl, stir together the butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla.
Add the eggs and beat well using a spoon.
Gradually add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt to the egg mixture, beating until well blended.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cake is set.
The cake should be fudgy and will not test done.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until well blended.
Gradually fold in the whipped topping, blending well.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake.
Spread 1 cup of cherry pie filling over the cream layer.
Refrigerate the dessert for several hours.
Using a knife, loosen the cake from the side of the pan and remove the side of the pan.
Cut the cake into wedges and garnish with the remaining pie filling.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover dessert.

Variations

You can use different flavors of pie filling, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a different twist on this dessert.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling and cherry glaze to ensure that the layers stay separate.

- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.

- You can also add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a simple mixing method to create the chocolate cake batter and cream cheese filling. The key is to beat the ingredients well to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

- If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can use any other flavor of pie filling or even fresh fruit.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the cake with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a sophisticated finish to your meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to soften the cream cheese filling.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and eggs.

Summary

This dessert is a rich and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

This Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte is a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich chocolate cake, creamy cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry glaze, it's the perfect treat for any special occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe for this decadent dessert.

The recipe was written in elegant cursive, with detailed instructions on how to make the perfect chocolate torte. As I read through the ingredients and steps, I could almost taste the rich chocolate and tart cherries melting in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had to try making it myself.

I had always enjoyed baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my own grandmother in the kitchen. She taught me the importance of patience and precision when it came to baking, and I had honed my skills over the years, experimenting with different recipes and techniques.

But this Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte was unlike anything I had ever attempted before. It required a delicate touch and a keen eye for detail, as any misstep could ruin the entire dessert. I was both nervous and excited to give it a try.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients, making sure to measure each one out carefully. The recipe called for high-quality dark chocolate, fresh cherries, butter, sugar, and a touch of almond extract. As I melted the chocolate and butter together, the kitchen filled with a rich, intoxicating aroma that made my mouth water.

I carefully folded in the flour and almond extract, being sure not to overmix the batter. Once it was smooth and glossy, I poured it into a greased cake tin and placed it in the oven to bake. As the torte rose and filled the kitchen with its sweet scent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

While the torte baked, I started on the cherry glaze. I pitted the cherries and simmered them in a saucepan with sugar until they were soft and syrupy. The deep red color of the cherries against the rich chocolate was a sight to behold, and I knew that this dessert was going to be something truly special.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the torte was done. I carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool before turning it out onto a serving platter. The chocolate was velvety and dense, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the glossy cherry glaze added a burst of tartness that balanced it perfectly.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. As they took their first bites of the Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte, their eyes widened in delight and their taste buds danced with joy. They couldn't believe that I had made such a beautiful and delicious dessert, and I basked in their praise and admiration.

From that day on, the Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for special occasions and holidays, and it never failed to impress and delight all who tasted it. The recipe became a treasured part of my collection, a reminder of the day I stumbled upon it and the joy and satisfaction it brought me.

As I sit here now, many years later, flipping through that old recipe book once again, I can't help but smile at the memories it holds. The Cherry-glazed Chocolate Torte will always have a special place in my heart, a reminder of the thrill of discovery and the joy of sharing something truly delicious with the ones I love.