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Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake with a Secret Twist

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake Topping, Baked Base
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is irresistible? This Bubbly Bold Cherry Chocolate Cake with a Secret Twist brings the magic! A luscious cherry mousse topping infused with cherry gelatin crowns a rich, moist chocolate base, all garnished with maraschino cherries and dark chocolate curls. Perfect for celebrations, this easy recipe checks all the boxes—quick dessert, easy recipe, fun food idea, and a beautiful showstopper. Whether you're hunting for birthday cake inspiration or simple dinner ideas with flair, this sweet treat is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake base)

1 cup heavy cream

1 package cherry gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)

3/4 cup maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls


Instructions

1. Bake the chocolate cake in a square or rectangular dish according to the package or homemade recipe instructions. Let it cool completely.

2. Dissolve cherry gelatin in half the water required on the package. Let it cool to room temperature without setting.

3. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

4. Gently fold in the cooled gelatin and chopped maraschino cherries.

5. Spread the cherry mousse evenly over the cooled cake, swirling the top for texture.

6. Garnish with whole cherries and chocolate shavings.

7. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.


Notes

Chill the gelatin to room temperature before adding to whipped cream to avoid deflation.

Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices after chilling.

For added sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter over the mousse before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cherry chocolate cake, easy dessert, party cake, mousse cake, cherry gelatin cake