Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a stunning dessert that combines rich, moist chocolate cake with sweet, juicy cherries caramelized on top. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and fruity sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers and a perfect way to showcase fresh or canned cherries. The caramelized cherry topping paired with a moist chocolate base makes each slice unforgettable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together, then pour it into the prepared pan.
3. Arrange the cherries evenly over the brown sugar mixture.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Pour the batter gently over the cherries in the cake pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8-10 people. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, and baking requires about 35-40 minutes. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before serving, bringing the total time to approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

• Boozy Twist: Soak the cherries in a little kirsch or rum before assembling.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the cherries before adding the batter.
• Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for even more chocolate richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy-free milk and oil, and use a flax egg alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Serve slightly warm for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

What’s the best pan size to use?

An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan works best for this recipe.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Do I need to pit fresh cherries?

Yes, remove all pits to ensure easy eating and a better texture.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Grease the pan well and let the cake cool slightly before inverting.

Can I use cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?

It’s not recommended because pie filling is too syrupy and may affect the cake texture.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I replace cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

No, cocoa powder is essential for the texture and structure of the cake.

What’s the best way to invert the cake?

Place a serving plate over the cake pan, hold tightly, and flip quickly and carefully.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines the luxurious richness of chocolate with the bright, juicy flavor of cherries. Simple to prepare and impressive to serve, it’s a wonderful choice for celebrations, dinner parties, or whenever you crave something truly special.

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