There’s something about the sparkle of New Year’s Eve that makes me crave a dessert with a little drama. This Chocolate, Cherry & Cognac New Years Cake is rich, elegant, and just a touch indulgent the perfect way to welcome a fresh year. Deep chocolate layers meet boozy cherries and a velvety cognac glaze that tastes like celebration itself. Whether you’re hosting a cozy NYE party or looking for New Year’s Eve Birthday Cake Ideas, this cake deserves a spot on your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It feels fancy but uses simple ingredients you already know.
- The cognac and cherries bring a grown-up twist to classic chocolate cake.
- Perfect centerpiece for your New Year’s Eve dessert spread or any New Year’s food celebration.
- Makes a beautiful gift or showstopper if you’re hosting friends amid your New Years Eve decorations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here earns its place, adding depth, texture, and that little bit of sparkle the occasion calls for.
- Flour: Gives structure to your cake while keeping it soft and tender.
- Cocoa powder: Choose a rich, unsweetened one for deep chocolate flavor.
- Cherries: Tart cherries balance the sweetness and add a pop of color. Fresh or jarred both work well.
- Cognac: A splash brings warmth and sophistication skip it if you’re serving kids, or replace it with cherry juice.
- Butter & Sugar: The heart of any good cake, creating a moist, tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give lift.
- Dark chocolate: Melted into the batter for richness and shine.
- Heavy cream: Used in the glaze for that smooth, luxurious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This step helps your cake come out beautifully every time.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This keeps your dry ingredients light and evenly mixed.
Step 3
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in melted dark chocolate.
Step 4
Alternate adding your dry ingredients with milk until the batter is smooth and glossy. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and a tablespoon of cognac.
Step 5
Divide the batter between pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before assembling.
Step 6
For the glaze, warm cream until steaming, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and silky. Add a splash of cognac for extra flavor.
Step 7
Assemble by spreading glaze between the layers and over the top. Garnish with whole cherries and chocolate shavings for that perfect New Year’s cake finish.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have cognac, brandy or even a dark rum works beautifully.
- Make it kid-friendly by replacing the alcohol with cherry syrup or orange juice.
- For a lighter version, use whipped cream instead of glaze.
- Pair it with savory bites like pesto crostini or bacon-wrapped little smokies to round out your New Year’s food spread.
Chocolate, Cherry & Cognac New Years Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in melted chocolate.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, mixing until smooth. Fold in cherries and cognac.
- Divide batter into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate, stir until smooth. Add cognac if desired.
- Assemble cake with glaze between layers and on top. Garnish with cherries and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Replace cognac with cherry juice or orange juice for a kid-friendly version.
- Best made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store covered in fridge up to 4 days.
Serving & Storage
Serve this cake slightly chilled for a firm, truffle-like texture or at room temperature for soft, melt-in-your-mouth layers. It’s a perfect finale to a New Year’s Eve dessert buffet or a cozy evening with friends.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving again. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it one of those New Year’s desserts that just keeps getting better.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead for a New Year’s Eve party?
Yes, absolutely. This New Year’s cake actually tastes better the next day. You can bake and assemble it a day ahead, then keep it covered in the fridge until your NYE party.
What kind of cherries should I use for a chocolate cherry cake?
Fresh sweet cherries are wonderful, but jarred sour cherries give a lovely balance. If you want a more festive twist, try soaking them in cognac for a few hours before baking.
Can I replace cognac with something non-alcoholic?
Yes, cherry juice or a mix of orange juice and vanilla makes a perfect substitute while keeping that luxurious feel. It’s still a delicious New Year’s Eve dessert option for everyone.
What frosting works best if I skip the glaze?
You can use whipped ganache, vanilla buttercream, or even a cream cheese frosting for a lighter touch. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate cherry flavor.
How can I decorate it to match my New Years Eve decorations?
Dust the top with gold sugar or edible glitter. Add some sparkly candles or metallic ribbon to make it stand out among your New Year’s Eve food table.
Final Thoughts from Ama
This Chocolate, Cherry & Cognac New Years Cake feels like a little piece of magic on your plate. It’s rich, a bit grown-up, and full of heart. I love that it brings a sparkle to the table without needing perfection just a few honest ingredients and the excitement of a new year ahead. So light the candles, pour something bubbly, and share this moment with the people you love. After all, simple food, big heart that’s what every celebration should taste like.