Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe

This Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe is a celebration of cherries, cream, and chocolate all woven into a show-stopping cake that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat! With crisp spirals of golden puff pastry, tart cherries peeking through, and a luscious creamy frosting, every slice boasts beautiful layers that look just like a honeycomb bursting with sweet flavor. If you want a recipe that wows at first glance and delights with every bite—this one’s for you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe lies in its handful of humble, yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s flaky layers, bursts of fruit, or pure creamy indulgence—so you’ll want to use the best you can find!

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Store-bought is just fine here! Once rolled and coiled, they puff up into addictive, golden layers.
• Tart Cherries (pitted, drained): These provide the signature pop of brightness and color—sour cherries work best for true contrast.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (at least 33% fat): It’s the backbone for the frosting, giving it structure and luxurious melt-in-your-mouth smoothness.
• Sour Cream, Plain Yogurt, or Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and depth to the frosting—use whichever you prefer for a subtle flavor shift.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla smooths out and aromatizes the cream beautifully.
• Sugar: Just the right amount balances the tang from cherries and yogurt, and sweetens the frosting gently.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: This becomes a glossy ganache that’s rich without overpowering the cake.
• Heavy Cream (for Ganache): Blends with chocolate for that perfectly pourable consistency and glossy finish.
• Corn Syrup: Just a touch keeps the ganache silky and prevents graininess.
• Chocolate Bar (for curls): A simple trick to create pretty chocolate “honeycomb” curls on top—choose your favorite dark or semi-sweet bar.
• Roasted Chopped Walnuts (optional): Sprinkle these between the layers for a nutty crunch, or skip for a smoother bite.

Variations

If you love tweaking recipes to suit your mood or what’s on hand, the Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe is wonderfully forgiving and fun to play with. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next twist on this classic.

• Switch up the Fruit: Try pitted plums, blueberries, or even apricots for a delicious variation—just be sure they’re well-drained to avoid sogginess.
• Cream Swap: Use mascarpone in place of the sour cream or yogurt for a richer, more decadent filling.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit walnuts or swap for toasted hazelnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra texture.
• Chocolate Overload: For true chocoholics, scatter mini chocolate chips between the layers before assembly.

How to Make Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry-Filled Tubes

Let your puff pastry thaw at room temperature—just until it’s pliable enough to roll but still chilly to the touch. Dust your work surface with flour, roll each sheet to a neat rectangle, then cut into long strips. Line bright, tart cherries down the center of each, then pinch the edges together to hide that juicy filling inside a snug pastry “tube.” This is where the cake gets its signature texture and honeycomb shape!

Step 2: Coil and Bake the Cake Layers

Take three cherry-filled tubes for each cake layer, gently braid or twist them together, then coil them into two well-lined 9-inch round pans—one for each fluffy layer. Bake in a hot oven until puffed and golden. As soon as they’re done, quickly unpeel the layers from the foil while still warm (trust me, it’s much easier now!). Let them cool completely so the cake holds its shape for assembly.

Step 3: Whip up the Sour Cream Frosting

In the bowl of a sturdy mixer, combine cold heavy cream, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla, and sugar. Whip on high until it’s light, smooth, and holds gentle peaks. This isn’t a super-firm buttercream—you want a supple texture that spreads beautifully. Just be careful not to overwhip, or it can turn grainy.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

While your cake layers cool, make the ganache by gently heating cream, pouring it over your chocolate chips, then stirring in a bit of corn syrup for gloss. The result is a silky, pourable chocolate that adds intense flavor without dominating the cake. Let it cool to room temperature before assembling the cake.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Place a dab of cream on your serving plate, press down the first honeycomb cherry cake layer, and slather with half the frosting. Scatter with walnuts if you’re using them. Add the second layer, spread on the rest of the cream, and smooth it over the top and sides. Pour the ganache over the center of the cake, nudging it outward to create those irresistible drips down the sides. Swirl reserved cream into pretty stars around the top, then finish with showers of homemade chocolate curls—your crowning touch!

Step 6: Chill and Slice

For the ultimate flavor and texture, refrigerate your Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe overnight. This allows the pastry to fully soften into the cream. When serving, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, bakery-worthy slices that reveal all those stunning honeycomb layers inside.

How to Serve Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chocolate curls or shavings is the classic finish for this Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe, adding a touch of elegance and extra chocolate aroma. A handful of fresh cherries arranged on top (with stems for a rustic look) or a dusting of powdered sugar will also make your cake irresistible. Even a few mint leaves look bright and festive!

Side Dishes

Serve each heavenly slice with a cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance the creamy sweetness. If you’re celebrating, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream turns this dessert into a feast. For an extra-rich treat, a drizzle of cherry syrup on the plate is pure magic.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, slice the cake into vertical wedges and stack them with extra cream between layers for a dramatic effect. Or, bake in a rectangular pan and cut into bars for a picnic-friendly version. Layered in a trifle dish, pieces of the honeycomb cake look gorgeous with swirls of cream and glistening cherries for a unique dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and actually gets even more flavorful and tender as the cream seeps into the pastry layers.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake slices (or even the assembled whole cake before adding garnishes). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge—no reheating needed! If you prefer a slight chill off, simply let your slice sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s impressive, playful, and joyfully messy, the Honeycomb Cherry Cake Recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. With its golden spirals, juicy cherries, and billowy cream, it truly feels like a celebration on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know if you put your own creative twist on this irresistible cake!

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