Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake topped with sweet cherries. This cake combines the lusciousness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, creating a perfect balance. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to impress. The beautiful presentation of the cherries on top makes it not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Let’s dive into how to make this treat!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience! First, the combination of chocolate and cherries is simply irresistible. You’ll also benefit from its:

Easy preparation, making it perfect for beginners.
Rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
Visual appeal, impressing your guests.
Versatility as it can be served warm or cold.
Ability to be dressed up with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Vegetarian-friendly recipe, aligning with various dietary needs.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

Gather these items:

For the Topping:
1 can (15 oz) pitted cherries in syrup: Drained, for the topping.
1/2 cup brown sugar: For sweetness and caramelization.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted, for richness.
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: For structure.
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For rich chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: For leavening.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: For leavening.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To enhance flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened, for richness.
2 large eggs: For binding.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
1 cup buttermilk: For moisture.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Arrange the drained cherries evenly over the brown sugar mixture, placing them cut-side up if using halved cherries.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Step 6: Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Pour the chocolate cake batter over the cherry topping in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 11: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate while it’s still warm, allowing the cherry topping to fall onto the cake.
Step 12: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
You can use fresh cherries if preferred.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

This delightful cake can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

Top with whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container. This cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Upside Down

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down?

The secret lies in ensuring that the cherries are well-drained and evenly arranged over the brown sugar mixture. This prevents excess moisture and enhances the caramelization process, resulting in a beautiful topping.

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, do not skip the cooling step before inverting the cake, as this ensures that the topping doesn’t stick to the pan.

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Upside Down You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations to consider:

Try using different fruits like peaches or pineapples for a unique twist.
Incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate.

Delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe - Chocolate Cherry Upside Down - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delightful breakfast. If you’re looking for a savory option, our Korean BBQ Meatballs are a must-try!

For more information on the health benefits of cherries, you can visit Healthline.

Delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake topped with sweet cherries.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the drained cherries evenly over the brown sugar mixture, placing them cut-side up if using halved cherries.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the chocolate cake batter over the cherry topping in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate while it’s still warm, allowing the cherry topping to fall onto the cake.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.