Black Cocoa Cake Basil Cherry

Name: Black Cocoa Cake Basil Cherry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup black cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water; ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Indulge in the rich and unique flavors of our Black Cocoa Cake with fresh basil and cherries. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-12-24T22:34:27.886Z

This Black Cocoa Cake is a rich, decadent treat that combines the deep flavors of black cocoa with the herbal notes of fresh basil and the sweetness of cherries. It's a showstopper for gatherings and a delightful surprise for anyone who tries it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh basil and cherries
Moist texture with a hint of herbal freshness
Perfect for celebrations or as a unique dessert option

      

A Unique Flavor Combination

The Black Cocoa Cake with basil and cherries offers a distinctive twist on traditional chocolate cake. The use of black cocoa powder not only enhances the color but also deepens the chocolate flavor, making it a favorite for chocolate lovers. The addition of fresh basil introduces a surprising herbal note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cherries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This unexpected pairing will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Fresh cherries provide a burst of tartness that contrasts the rich chocolate, making each bite a delightful experience. As the cherries soften during cooking, they release their natural juices, which enhances the overall flavor of the topping. This cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary adventure that challenges the conventional by blending the familiar with the extraordinary.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging yourself, this Black Cocoa Cake is an excellent choice. Its unique flavor profile makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant events. The eye-catching dark color and vibrant cherry topping create an impressive centerpiece on any dessert table, ensuring it will be the star of the show.

Additionally, the cake's moist texture and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who taste it.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Black Cocoa Cake, be sure to use high-quality black cocoa powder. It has a more intense flavor compared to regular cocoa powder and is key to creating that deep chocolate taste. Also, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps to ensure a smooth batter that rises evenly in the oven.

When baking the cake, keep an eye on the time. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Allowing the cakes to cool properly before layering will help maintain their structure and prevent any unwanted crumbling.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients to get started on this delicious cake.

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup black cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

For the Cherry Topping

2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Once you have all the ingredients, you can start preparing your cake.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Black Cocoa Cake.

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water and chopped basil until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Cherry Topping

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

Cool and Assemble

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, layer the cakes with cherry topping in between.

Enjoy your delicious Black Cocoa Cake Basil Cherry!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftover Black Cocoa Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To prolong its freshness, you can refrigerate it, although this may slightly alter the texture. For optimal enjoyment, allow the cake to come back to room temperature before serving.

This cake can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the cherries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile. Each fruit will bring its unique sweetness and tartness, making the cake versatile for various tastes.

Another fun variation is to incorporate different herbs. Mint can be an exciting alternative to basil, providing a refreshing twist. Experimenting with flavors is part of the joy of baking, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa powder?

Yes, you can, but the flavor and color will be different. Black cocoa adds a richer, darker chocolate flavor.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.