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Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe

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This marvelous Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe I'm sharing today is from my childhoods. The cake is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Ah, my mouth waters just by glancing at the pictures, and the cake is long gone! This rich and delicious stunner will definitely not disappoint.

This cake is completely untainted and innocent, I assure you. Traditionally, people have soaked cherries in liquor, but the name also comes from the style of the cake: the muddled-up sponge design.

My mom

... used to make this cake sporadically because we had limited access to a large variety of ingredients in those days. Fancier and more complex recipes such as this one were usually reserved for the holidays.

Since cherries are one of my favorite fruit to bake with, I’ve loved this cake steadily up to this day. Plus – it's chocolate! Need I say more? Give it one try and you’ll love it as well!

Chunky Cherry Syrup:

2 lbs. (1 kg.) – fresh cherries
½ cup (100 g) – organic sugar (not pictured)
PS. If you have canned cherries in the juice, that works best; otherwise, make this chunky cherry syrup.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Chocolate Sponge Ingredients:

5 large – eggs (room temperature)
1 cup (200 g) – organic sugar
1 tsp. (5 ml) – baking powder
½ tsp. (2.5 ml) – baking soda
3 tbsp. (45 ml) – cocoa powder
1 cup (125 g) – organic all-purpose flour

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Cream Ingredients:

5 cups (1200 ml) – heavy cream
½ can (165 g) – Dulce de Leche
1 lb. (454 g) - fresh cherries to top the cake

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

½ Chocolate bar

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Chunky Cherry Syrup Instructions:

Cut each cherry in half, remove cherry pits, and place them into a small pot. Add sugar and bring to a boil on high, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the stove top and cool completely.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Chocolate Sponge Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Sift dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda into a small bowl. Combine and set aside.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

2. Beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

3. Add dry ingredients into egg mixture in two separate additions, stirring very carefully not to deflate too many air bubbles.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

4. Bake the sponge for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, then spring pan and cool completely.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

5. Slice cooled sponge in half. (See HERE how I precut the sponge with a knife and finish with thread.)

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

6. Remove the softness of the sponge in chunks, leaving the crisp outer shell intact.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

7. Set the sponge pieces aside until ready for use.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Cream Instructions:

1. Beat heavy cream just until it thickens. Add ½ can Dulce de Leche and beat just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for about 15-20 seconds (do not over mix). Reserve ⅓ of the cream and place it in a separate bowl for the outer coating.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

2. Strain the chunky cherry syrup. Set aside until ready for use.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

3. Add sponge pieces into the cream and mix them in until just combined (try to keep the sponge pieces not mashed). Then add strained cherries and mix just until combined. Do not over mix to keep sponge pieces and cherries large and visible in the end-result.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Cake Assembling Instructions:

1. Soak the top and bottom cake crusts with the reserved strained cherry syrup.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

2. Place the bottom of the sponge cake onto a cake platter. Pack all of the cream/sponge/cherry fillings and cover with the top crust of the cake sponge. Ice the top and sides of the cake with the reserved cream.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

3. Grace the cake a with the one-pound pile of fresh cherries. Sprinkle the top and sides of the cake with chocolate shavings. (I use a potato peeler to shave the chocolate bar.) Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight for best results.

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Recipe Card

Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe

Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe

Valya's Taste of Home
Loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • Chunky Cherry Syrup:
  • 2 lbs. (1 kg) – fresh cherries
  • ½ cup (100 g) – organic sugar (not pictured)
  • (PS. If you have canned cherries in the juice that works best; otherwise, make this chunky cherry syrup)
  • Chocolate Sponge Ingredients:
  • 5 large – eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200 g) – organic sugar
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) – baking powder
  • ½ tsp. (2.5 ml) – baking soda
  • 3 tbsp. (45 ml) – cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (125g) – organic all-purpose flour
  • Cream Ingredients:
  • 5 cups (1200 ml) – heavy cream
  • ½ can (165 g) – Dulce de Leche
  • 1 lb. (454 g) - fresh cherries to top the cake
  • ½ - Chocolate bar
Read More

Instructions
 

  • Chunky Cherry Syrup Instructions:
  • Cut each cherry in half, remove cherry pits, and place them into a small pot. Add sugar and bring to a boil on high, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the stove top and cool completely.
  • Chocolate Sponge Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Sift dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda into a small bowl. Combine and set aside.
  • Beat eggs and sugar on high-speed for 5 minutes.
  • Add dry ingredients into egg mixture in two separate additions, stirring very carefully not to deflate too many air bubbles.
  • Bake the sponge for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, then spring pan and cool completely.
  • Slice cooled sponge in half.
  • Remove the softness of the sponge in chunks, leaving the crisp outer shell intact.
  • Set the sponge pieces aside until ready for use.
  • Cream Instructions:
  • Beat heavy cream just until it thickens. Add ½ can Dulce de Leche and beat just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for about 15-20 seconds (do not over mix). Reserve ⅓ of the cream and place it in a separate bowl for the outer coating.
  • Strain the chunky cherry syrup. Set aside until ready for use.
  • Add sponge pieces into the cream and mix them in until just combined (try to keep the sponge pieces not mashed). Then add strained cherries and mix just until combined. Do not over mix to keep sponge pieces and cherries large and visible in the end-result.
  • Cake Assembling Instructions:
  • Soak the top and bottom cake crusts with the reserved strained cherry syrup.
  • Place the bottom of the sponge cake onto a cake platter. Pack all of the cream/sponge/cherry fillings and cover with the top crust of the cake sponge. Ice the top and sides of the cake with the reserved cream.
  • Grace the cake a with the one-pound pile of fresh cherries. Sprinkle the top and sides of the cake with chocolate shavings. (I use a potato peeler to shave the chocolate bar.) Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword Almond Peach Coffee Cake Recipe, caramel cream, cherry cake, dessert, drunken cherry cake, fresh cherries
Tried this recipe?Share your photo on Instagram @valyastasteofhome or tag #valyastasteofhome!
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This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

If you make this  Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe please share a picture with me on Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Tag with #valyastasteofhome. I’d love to see your creations! ?

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee!

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

If you liked this recipe, please share it with your family and loved ones. Thank you for your support! 😀

This Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe is loaded with two pounds of lightly cooked cherries, topped with a pound of fresh cherries, caramel cream, and fluffy chocolate cake sponge, and finally sprinkled with shaved best-tasting organic chocolate, it’s fair to say that self-control takes a little more effort around this exquisite goodness. #drunkencherrycake #freshcherries #caramelcream #valyastasteofhome

Check out these delicious cake recipes as well:

CHERRY LAKE CAKE
CURLY BOY
CAKE “BROKEN GLASS”
"STRAWBERRY" CAKE
“APPLE” CAKE
CAKE “DAY AND NIGHT”
KOROLEVSKY CAKE (KINGS CAKE)
HONEY CHOCOLATE AND STRAWBERRY CAKE
CHOCOLATE CHERRY CAKE
MINT CHOCOLATE CAKE
STRAWBERRY BISKVIT CAKE WITH GREEK YOGURT CREAM (And many more under the DESSERT category.)

Kitchen items I used in making this recipe:
(If you need any of these items, simply click on the picture to order. Thank you for your support!)

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Drunken Cherry Cake Recipe
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lily says

    Hi Valya!
    This looks delish!
    How many cans of store bought cherries do I use? 1 or 2 can?

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      It depends on how big the jars/cans are. Since cherries are not in season right now I would use frozen cherries to make the syrup (Costco sells frozen cherries). I hope this helps.

      Reply

  2. marina says

    Hi Valya, the ingredients part of the recipe is coming up in code language. I am trying to get a list of ingredients to buy and I’m having hard time reading it. Thank you for taking a look. I’m excited to try this cake.

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Hi Marina! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I'm not sure what caused some of the recipe cards do that, but I've got it fixed now. If you notice any other recipes that have that issues I would love to know so I can get that fixed as well. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Happy baking! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Alla says

    Thank you:)

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      You are very certainly welcome!

      Reply

  4. Alla says

    Hi Valya 🙂 I have a question ,you baked two round cake but you said cut in half and look like you used only one sponge ???im confused 🙁

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Hi, Alla! I just checked the recipe and I did not find where it says I baked 2 round cake. There is a collage showing one cake sponge unbaked and one baked. Is it what you're refering too? You only need one chocolate cake sponge for this recipe. I hope that clarifies 🙂 Happy baking!

      Reply

      • Alla says

        Thank you Valya for reply:) yes that pictures confused me ,thank you again,will make it tonight:)

        Reply

        • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

          Happy we got it clarified. Let me know how it goes.

          Reply

          • Alla says

            One more question 🙂 how do you make chocolate sprinkle so perfect,what do you use to make that pretty ?or you buy in store ?I tried many different think but still can’t find anything to make it nice 🙁

          • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

            It's super easy to make them. Using a potato peeler shave chocolate going from top to bottom (like you would peel a potato) on a chocolate bar. While sliding the potato peeler down the chocolate bar, shaved chocolate should fold into a cylinder swirls. The chocolate bar cannot be super soft or refrigerated to get the best results. I hope that helps! 🙂

  5. Nataliia says

    What size of baking pan did you use? 9”?

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Both 9” or 10” will work well. Thanks for asking.

      Reply

  6. Vicki B. says

    Hi Valya! Thank you for your yummy recipes! I have a question, when baking my cake the cake caved in the middle. 🙁 What could be the cause of that? Also, is it ok to still use it even though it caved in? Thank you!

    Reply

    • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

      Hi Vicki. One of the problems is over mixing the batter and deflating the air bubbles. Another problem could be shacking right after baking (I usually let the cake sponge cool to warm temperature before removing from a pan; especially chocolate cake sponges, they tend to be a little more delicate). Yes, it is still ok to use it. Just be careful when cutting off the top part of the cake sponge.

      Reply

      • Vicki B. says

        Thank you for the prompt reply!

        Reply

        • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

          You are more than welcome! I hope these tips help you in the future baking having better results. 🙂

          Reply

  7. Nat says

    5 stars
    This is just too cute to cut!

    Reply

    • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

      Thank you :D, it's one tasty cake!

      Reply

  8. Tatyana S. says

    I made this cake and I really enjoy the taste of it, love chocolate cakes overall?
    I was wondering what is better taste with canned cherries or to make the syrup with fresh? I'm just wondering if it's worth trying with canned cherries cuz I made it this time with fresh cherries...
    Looking forward to making this cake again for family gatherings?

    Reply

    • www.valyastasteofhome.com says

      If the cherries canned the Slavic way in a jar then its better with canned cherries, but if you are using American canned cherries, then you better off with fresh or frozen cherry syrup.

      Reply

  9. Peter says

    5 stars
    Wow Valya! You've done it again, another fantastic recipe! Photo looks amazing, and such a great cake! 🙂

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you for kind words Peter! This is one of those old recipes that never gets old. 😀

      Reply

  10. Nataliya says

    5 stars
    Absolutely love the quality of this picture. its a must try kind of look.

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you Nataliya! 🙂

      Reply

  11. Nina says

    One of favorite cakes! So beautiful and delicious. Thanks for another great cake. Keep 'em coming!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      You are very welcome! I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for amazing review 🙂

      Reply

  12. Thao @ In Good Flavor says

    This is such an unusual and gorgeous cake! The stack of cherries on top are a showstopper!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you! Yes, it's unusual and very special to me. Reminds me of my childhood. Thank you very much for stopping by and commenting 🙂

      Reply

  13. Becky says

    5 stars
    I made this today and it is uhh-may-zing! Came back to say huge appreciation for the great recipes and all your hard work. You're awesome cook and baker!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      I'm glad to hear that you like the recipe. Thank you kindly for coming back an sharing your experience with me I really appreciate it.

      Reply

  14. Nicole Branan says

    5 stars
    Wow, this cake is heaven on a pedestal!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      It definitely has its place in my top 10 cakes. It's very special to me and I'm tickled that you loved it too. Thank you! ?

      Reply

  15. Nellie says

    5 stars
    I made this cake today and it's sooo good. I recommend this recipe to anyone. Struggling with self control right now, it's that good! Thanks for such a great recipe, it's one of our fav now 😀

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      That's awesome!!! I'm glad to hear that! I agree, this cake is one delicious dessert. Thank you kindly for an amazing review! 🙂

      Reply

  16. Rimma says

    Hello, when to add baking soda? Also, there is salt in the instructions but not in the ingredients. Thank you

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      I meant to say baking soda not salt. I corrected it. Thanks for catching it, really appreciated it. 😉

      Reply

      • Rimma says

        I made it! It turned out perfect, very light and tasty! Thank you for the recipe.

        Reply

        • valya'stasteofhome.com says

          I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your experience with me 😀

          Reply

  17. Tina says

    oh my this looks mouthwatering! I'm drooling just by looking at this!! Definitely makes it for my week menu!!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you Tina! This one is one delicious cake loved by most people. Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply

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