If you’re craving a dessert that’s both stunning and packed with irresistible flavors, this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of moist, rich devil’s food chocolate cake intertwined with luscious swirls of tangy cream cheese and pockets of sweet cherry pie filling—each bite is a burst of decadence and comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this cake brings bakery magic to your home with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will become a beloved classic in your dessert lineup.

Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that beautiful Bundt shape. The devil’s food cake mix brings deep chocolate richness, while the cream cheese adds a velvety tang that cuts through the sweetness. And of course, those cherries add bursts of fruity brightness that take this cake to the next level.

1 box devil’s food chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundation for your moist, chocolatey cake base.
1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to keep the cake wonderfully soft.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Ensures a rich, moist crumb without heaviness.
3 large eggs: Provides structure and richness for the cake to rise perfectly.
1/2 cup water: Helps to adjust batter consistency for a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: Brings juicy, sweet cherry bursts and gorgeous color swirls throughout the cake.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, creamy filling that contrasts the chocolate layer beautifully.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
1 large egg: Gives the cream cheese filling the perfect binding consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and complements the cherry and chocolate flavors.
Optional toppings (powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, extra cherry pie filling): Elevate presentation and add extra sweetness or chocolate decadence to your finished masterpiece.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 10-cup Bundt pan and grease it generously, then dust it with flour. This simple step ensures your gorgeous cake releases easily, preserving all the beautiful swirls and curves of the Bundt shape for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 2: Combine the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the devil’s food cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and velvety. The sour cream and oil work their magic here, making the batter silky and rich with the promise of a moist cake.

Step 3: Gently Fold in Cherry Pie Filling

Carefully fold in the cherry pie filling, making sure not to overmix so some of those whole cherries stay gloriously intact. These juicy cherry pockets are the secret gems that brighten every bite of the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe with bursts of fruitiness.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious filling brings a tangy, luxurious layer between the chocolate cherry batter, adding a stunning visual and flavor surprise inside your cake.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Filling in the Pan

Pour half of the chocolate cherry batter into the bottom of your Bundt pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, taking care to avoid the edges to prevent it from leaking out. Finally, top with the remaining chocolate cherry batter and smooth the surface gently. This layering technique is what makes the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe so special visually and taste-wise.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell of chocolate and cherries filling your kitchen during baking is pure bliss and a sign of the delightful treat ahead.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let your cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to settle, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate ganache, or spoon on extra cherry pie filling to make this cake even more irresistible.

How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate, snowy touch that makes the rich colors pop. For a more decadent option, drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the top—this extra layer of chocolate just melts hearts. Fresh cherries or a spoonful of cherry pie filling on the side elevate the fruitiness and add elegance when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this Bundt cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for creamy contrast or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to lighten each bite. A cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate alongside also makes the perfect duo for your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake and serve it on vintage plates with a drizzle of cherry sauce artfully placed around for a sophisticated look. You can also layer slices between two forks to create individual mini trifle-style desserts, layering cream and cherries for an interactive twist on the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake fresh and moist, wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over multiple days or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

This Bundt cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the entire cake wrapped in foil in a low oven (300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma, making each bite even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! While the box mix keeps this Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe quick and simple, a homemade devil’s food cake from scratch would work beautifully and add a personal touch to the dessert.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat, regular cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in the filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy layer.

Can I substitute fresh cherries for the cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used, but the pie filling provides the perfect balance of sweetness and a syrupy texture that’s hard to recreate with fresh fruit alone. If you want to use fresh cherries, consider cooking them down with sugar to mimic that effect.

Is it necessary to flour the Bundt pan?

Flouring the pan after greasing is a key step to prevent sticking and help your cake release effortlessly while preserving those beautiful bundt details. Skipping this can make unmolding tricky and damage the cake’s appearance.

Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

With some substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacers, you might adapt the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe for dairy-free or vegan diets, but the texture and flavor might vary. Experimenting with plant-based versions can be fun, but the original recipe shines best as written.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable. It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate life’s moments or simply to brighten your day with rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and luscious cherries all in one glorious cake. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chocolate and cherries together!