Black Cocoa Cake Basil Cherry
Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Black Cocoa Cake with a twist of fresh basil and juicy cherries. This unique dessert is sure to impress your guests with its deep chocolatey notes and refreshing herbal undertones.
This Black Cocoa Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the richness of dark cocoa, the freshness of basil, and the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for any occasion, it's a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh basil and cherry
- Unique combination of sweet and savory
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
A Flavorful Fusion
The Black Cocoa Cake with Basil and Cherry is a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate your dessert experience. The deep, rich notes of black cocoa provide a base that is both intense and satisfying, while the addition of fresh basil introduces a surprising herbal freshness. This combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout centerpiece for any gathering.
Cherries add a burst of juiciness that complements the chocolate and basil beautifully. Their natural sweetness balances the cake's richness, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors. This unique pairing encourages adventurous eaters to step outside their comfort zone and explore new taste sensations.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to impress friends at a dinner, this Black Cocoa Cake is an ideal choice. Its sophisticated flavor profile and elegant presentation make it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
Additionally, this cake can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your event without the stress of last-minute baking. Simply prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. When it's time to serve, you can even garnish it with extra cherries and fresh basil for an added touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Black Cocoa Cake with Basil and Cherry.
Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your Black Cocoa Cake.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
Fold in Basil and Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped basil and halved cherries.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, your cake is ready to be served!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with this Black Cocoa Cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, measuring your flour accurately is crucial; spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.
If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor even further, consider using high-quality black cocoa powder. It's richer than regular cocoa powder and will truly elevate your cake. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of basil; a little can go a long way, so start with the recommended amount and adjust according to your taste.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness. Ensure it is covered to prevent it from drying out. If you choose to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
When serving, consider pairing slices of the cake with fresh cherries and a sprig of basil for a beautiful presentation. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and make each slice even more tempting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can substitute cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
→ 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
→ How can I enhance the basil flavor?
Consider adding a basil simple syrup on top or infusing the frosting with basil for an extra kick.
Black Cocoa Cake Basil Cherry
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Black Cocoa Cake with a twist of fresh basil and juicy cherries. This unique dessert is sure to impress your guests with its deep chocolatey notes and refreshing herbal undertones.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Dessert Lover’s Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped basil and halved cherries.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g