Whiskey-Soaked Cherry Chocolate Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

A moist chocolate cake layered with whiskey-soaked cherries that impart a rich, boozy depth, perfect for an indulgent dessert. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup, drained maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs, then mix in 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently, then slowly pour in 1 cup boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth and thin.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; cool completely.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup drained maraschino cherries with 1/2 cup whiskey in a bowl; let soak for at least 30 minutes for the cherries to absorb the whiskey aroma.
6. Step 6: To make frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy, gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, then mix in 3 tbsp heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
7. Step 7: Once the cake is cool, slice it horizontally into two layers, spread half the frosting on the bottom layer, evenly distribute the whiskey-soaked cherries, then top with the second cake layer and remaining frosting. Chill for 1 hour before serving for flavors to meld.