Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s every bit as decadent as it is eye-catching, let me introduce you to Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. This dreamy treat combines luscious cherries, rich chocolate cake, and a caramelized brown sugar topping in a way that’s almost magical. The best part? It all bakes up together in one pan, giving you maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a special family celebration or a cozy weekend treat, this is the cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable. Each component plays a starring role in the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake – from the buttery brown sugar topping to the decadent chocolate crumb.

• Cherry pie filling: Use a 21-ounce can for tart, juicy cherries that stay perfectly moist during baking.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Lends luxurious richness to the caramelized base.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and helps create that irresistible sticky layer.
• Chocolate cake mix: The shortcut to a tender, chocolatey cake without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and ensure a light, fluffy crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist—don’t substitute with butter for this recipe!
• Water: Hydrates the cake mix and balances out the richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances every sweet note and deepens the chocolate-cherry flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a good coating of nonstick spray or grease it with butter. You want to make sure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake releases from the pan in one beautiful piece!

Step 2: Make the Cherry Topping

Pour the melted butter right into the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter, making sure it covers every corner. Next comes the cherry pie filling—spread it out in an even layer, letting all those sweet, syrupy cherries touch every part of the surface.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, three large eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, mix until smooth and no dry pockets remain. Your batter should be glossy, thick, and smell gloriously chocolatey.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Gently pour the chocolate cake batter right over the cherry layer in your pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering all the cherries while being careful not to disturb the fruit underneath. This layering is what gives the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake its signature look once flipped!

Step 5: Bake

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a cake that’s set in the center and springs back a little when touched, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a delightful combination of cocoa and cherries—it’s pure bliss.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

When the cake is finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. To invert, place a large serving platter over the pan and carefully flip it over so the cherry topping is now on top. Slowly lift away the pan—you should see glistening cherries and a gorgeous, gooey brown sugar layer crowning your creation!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

This cake is naturally stunning, but a little flourish never hurts. Try adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each slice. For a festive touch, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a few extra fresh cherries right before serving.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple so your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can really shine. Serve with a hot cup of strong coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. A tangy fruit salad or light yogurt parfait on the side also balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares and transfer each onto individual plates for a polished look. For a playful twist, layer slices with whipped cream in tall parfait glasses. Feeling indulgent? Warm up the cake and pair with a drizzle of cherry liqueur for a grown-up dessert moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake into an airtight container once cooled. It’ll stay moist and delicious at room temperature for about 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake actually freezes beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months—just let them thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that gooey, “just-baked” magic. For larger portions, a few minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick and keep the topping luscious.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have a batch of homemade cherry pie filling, it can be swapped in without issue. Just be sure it’s thick and sweetened appropriately for the best results in your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.

What kind of chocolate cake mix works best?

Any standard chocolate cake mix does the trick. Devil’s food, dark chocolate, or even triple chocolate varieties all taste fantastic here. Choose your favorite for a personalized touch.

How do I ensure the cake comes out cleanly when inverted?

Grease your pan thoroughly and give the cake a full 10-minute cool-down before inverting. Running a thin knife along the edges helps too, ensuring nothing sticks when you flip your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your preferred gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check all ingredient labels to keep it celiac friendly. The results are just as irresistible.

Does this cake taste good cold?

It tastes fabulous cold! The cherry and chocolate flavors intensify after chilling, although reheating brings back some gooey texture if you prefer it warm.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead—add a little flair to your next dessert menu with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. It’s easy, impressive, and so unbelievably tasty that you’ll want to share it with everyone you love. Trust me, one slice will never be enough!

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