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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Delightful Cherry Chocolate Sheet Cake

A festive dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with sweet-tart cherries for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Cake Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Group: Cherry Filling
  • 1 can (about 15 oz) cherry pie filling
Group: Frosting Ingredients
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Jelly roll pan (17x12 inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 17x12-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add in the eggs, buttermilk, hot water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
  5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. After that, gently run a knife around the edges before inverting it onto a serving platter.
  7. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cake.
  8. Beat together the softened butter and cocoa powder until combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and smooth.
  9. Finally, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cherry-topped cake.

Notes

The chocolate flavor deepens after sitting and the cherries maintain their vibrant flavor, making this cake a delightful seasonal treat.