Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is a luscious dessert that blends rich chocolate cake with swirls of sweet cream cheese filling and bursts of juicy cherries. Baked in a Bundt pan for a stunning presentation, this decadent treat is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving a showstopping dessert. Every bite is filled with chocolatey goodness, creamy texture, and fruity pops of cherry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gorgeous presentation straight from the Bundt pan
• Moist and rich chocolate cake base
• Creamy cheesecake-style filling in the center
• Juicy cherries add a fruity contrast
• Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and chocolatey flavors
• Great for entertaining or gifting
• Can be made ahead and stores beautifully
• Crowd-pleaser for any occasion

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Cherry pie filling
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Optional: chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
6. Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, avoiding the edges.
8. Carefully layer the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
9. Top with the remaining chocolate batter, spreading evenly to cover.
10. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–14 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15–20 minutes

Variations

• Black Forest Style: Add a layer of whipped cream on top and garnish with more cherries.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the chocolate batter for crunch.
• Double Chocolate: Fold chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness.
• Cherry Swap: Use raspberry or strawberry pie filling for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating: Bring slices to room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm bite.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cornstarch to make a homemade cherry filling.

How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?

Carefully spoon it over the first cake batter layer and avoid spreading it too close to the edges.

What’s the best cocoa powder to use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works well, but Dutch-process can be used for a richer flavor.

Can I make this in a regular cake pan?

A Bundt pan is best for the structure and layering, but you can try a 9×13 pan—just adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The cake should spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I leave out the cream cheese layer?

Yes, but it adds a delicious creamy contrast. You can also swirl it lightly for a marbled effect.

Should the cake be refrigerated?

Yes, if not eaten within 2 days, refrigerate it due to the cream cheese filling.

Can I glaze the cake?

Absolutely! Try a simple chocolate ganache, vanilla glaze, or cherry glaze for extra flavor and presentation.

What’s the best way to grease a Bundt pan?

Use softened butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour or cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Can I use light cream cheese?

Yes, though full-fat provides the creamiest texture. Light versions may be a bit less rich.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is a luxurious, bakery-worthy dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its moist chocolate base, luscious cream cheese filling, and juicy cherries in every bite, this cake brings elegance and flavor to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in something sweet, this Bundt cake is sure to impress and satisfy.

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