Moist Cherry Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake Recipe

This cherry chocolate chip bundt cake is tender, fruity, and indulgent—studded with soft cherry flavor, mini chocolate chips, and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache, extra chips, and bright maraschino cherries. It’s an easy, no-fuss bundt that comes together quickly and tastes like summer any time of year. The base is a doctored white cake mix enhanced with buttermilk, sour cream, egg whites, maraschino cherry juice and a touch of vanilla. A simple optional cherry soak adds concentrated cherry-almond flavor, and a warm chocolate ganache creates a beautiful drip finish. Read on for tips, ingredient details, and step-by-step instructions so you can recreate this crowd-pleasing bundt at home.

How to make a cherry chip bundt cake

This recipe is built for simplicity and flavor. The doctored cake mix keeps the batter forgiving while the added fresh ingredients deliver a homemade taste. The cake bakes quickly and requires only a light finish with ganache and cherries. Below is a clear ingredient list and directions so you can make it easily.

• 2/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 4 egg whites, room temperature
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix (a standard white cake mix)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)

Combine the buttermilk, sour cream, egg whites, oil, cherry juice, vanilla and flour in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Sift in the cake mix and fold gently until just combined, then stir in the mini chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a prepared bundt pan and bake as directed below. Once baked and slightly cooled, add the optional cherry soak and finish with a warm ganache and garnishes.

How to do the cherry soak

The cherry soak is optional but adds a delightful burst of maraschino flavor. Use the liquid from the maraschino cherry jar. With the cake cooling on a wire rack and a cookie sheet underneath to catch drips, slowly pour the cherry juice over the warm cake so it absorbs the liquid evenly. You can also add the soak while the cake is still in the pan, but applying it after unmolding helps prevent the crumb from becoming too soggy.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries will work, but they will change the texture and moisture of the cake. If you use fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then lightly toss with a little flour before folding into the batter to reduce sinking. To mimic the maraschino cherry flavor, you may want to add a small amount of almond extract to the batter or to the soak. Keep in mind fresh cherries won’t provide the same syrupy soak as maraschino juice.

How to make the ganache drip

For the ganache, use 1 cup chocolate melts (or chopped chocolate) and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Gently heat the cream, combine with the chocolate, and stir until smooth. Pour into a squeeze bottle or use a spoon to create drips along the bundt’s edges. If the ganache is too thin, let it cool slightly or add a few more chocolate pieces and stir to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of cream and stir to loosen. This simple ganache gives a glossy finish and helps the garnishes adhere.

Cherry chocolate chip bundt cake toppings

Finish the cake with extra mini chocolate chips and maraschino cherries with stems for a classic presentation. The contrast of glossy ganache, scattered chips, and bright cherries makes the cake look as good as it tastes.

Tips for a moist cake every time

A few simple techniques ensure a tender, moist bundt:

1. Don’t overmix the batter—stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid a tough crumb.
2. Use room-temperature ingredients so the batter emulsifies properly and bakes evenly.
3. Avoid overbaking; check for spring-back and a slight pull from the pan rather than relying solely on a toothpick.
4. If making ahead, cool the cake completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Add ganache and garnishes the day you serve it; you can apply them to the cake while still cold but work quickly.

Get the recipe: Cherry Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

I hope you enjoy this cherry chocolate chip bundt cake—it’s an easy recipe with bright flavor and a beautiful finish. If you try it, garnish just before serving for the best look and texture. Happy baking!

xo, Happy Baking

Mandy