Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe Magic

Sweet chocolate cherry upside down cake converts ordinary dessert into a captivating culinary adventure.

Rich layers of decadent flavor meld together in this irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence.

Dark chocolate intense depth blends seamlessly with the bright, tangy burst of ripe cherries.

This stunning dessert delivers a harmonious balance between deep, complex notes and fruity freshness.

Each carefully crafted slice reveals a beautiful mosaic of ingredients that dance across your palate.

The elegant presentation elevates this cake from simple confection to a sophisticated showstopper.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will appreciate the delightful complexity of this remarkable dessert.

Unique Twists for the Next Bake

• Rustic Berry Swap: Replace cherries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the fruit layer before adding cake batter for extra crunch and depth.
• Spiced Chocolate Fusion: Add ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the chocolate cake batter for a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the fruit.
• Tropical Chocolate Spin: Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of cherries and incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake That’s Bold and Beautiful

• Surprise Fruity Twist: This upside-down cake transforms classic chocolate cake with vibrant, juicy cherries that create a stunning presentation and burst of unexpected flavor.
• Quick and Easy Baking Magic: Requiring only basic mixing and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery with minimal effort.
• Texture Paradise: The recipe delivers a delightful contrast between soft, moist chocolate cake and tender, slightly tart cherries that create an irresistible mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this cake works wonderfully as a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks elegant but tastes wonderfully homemade.

Everything You Need to Bake This Cake

• Fresh Cherries, Frozen Cherries: Sweet and juicy fruit that creates a beautiful fruity bottom layer, choose ripe and plump cherries without bruises.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the chocolate cake base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake caramelization.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken cherry mixture and create smooth cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the chocolate cake.
• Milk: Creates smooth cake batter and helps with cake's tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background flavor.

Steps for a Flawless Flip

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round pan or 8×8 square dish. Grease the sides, dust with flour, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare Cherry Coating

• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Gently toss pitted cherries in this sweet mixture. If using frozen cherries, let them hang out and thaw for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Arrange Cherry Layer

Spread the coated cherries evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure they create a beautiful, even layer.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine all cake batter ingredients. Grab an electric mixer and beat the mixture for 2 minutes until it’s smooth and silky.

Step 5: Pour Batter Over Cherries

Carefully pour the chocolate batter over the cherry layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the fruit.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Flip

Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully flip onto a heat-proof serving plate. The cherry layer will now be gloriously displayed on top.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries!

Tips to Avoid Soggy or Dry Layers

• Pit Cherries with Precision: Use a cherry pitter or paperclip to remove pits quickly and cleanly without crushing the fruit.
• Prevent Cherry Bleeding: Toss cherries in cornstarch to create a barrier that stops excessive juice from seeping into the cake batter.
• Ensure Even Baking: Gently tap the cake pan on the counter before baking to release air bubbles and create a smooth cake surface.
• Check Moisture Level: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle to accurately test cake doneness, ensuring no wet batter remains.
• Cool Carefully: Let the cake rest exactly 5 minutes before inverting to allow the caramelized cherry layer to set without sticking to the pan.

Storing the Cake for the Next Day

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chocolate cherry cake can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating. Enjoy slightly warm for the best taste and soft texture.

What Works Well with This Dessert

• Pair with Smooth Red Wine: Select a light Pinot Noir or sweet Lambrusco to complement the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors, enhancing the dessert's depth and creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to balance the chocolate's intensity and provide a cool, silky contrast to the warm dessert.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness and highlight the chocolate's complex notes, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.
• Enhance with Whipped Cream Dollop: Top the cake with a light, airy whipped cream sprinkled with cocoa powder to add a delicate texture and subtle extra chocolate dimension.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate cherry upside down cake brings luscious European elegance to classic dessert traditions. Rich chocolate layers mingle with sweet cherry jewels, creating a luxurious experience that delights dessert enthusiasts with each sublime bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Chocolate Components:

• ⅓ cup (40 g) plus 1 tablespoon cocoa
• ½ cup (120 ml) brewed black coffee
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Supporting Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (67 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) soured milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating it with a thin layer of grease and dusting with flour, then line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Create a delicate coating for the cherries by whisking cornstarch and sugar together in a mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold the pitted cherries into the sugar-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each fruit is evenly coated. If using frozen cherries, let them rest and thaw for approximately 20 minutes.
4. Distribute the sugar-coated cherries in a uniform layer across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a vibrant fruity foundation.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all chocolate cake batter ingredients, utilizing an electric mixer to blend until the mixture achieves a silky, smooth consistency.
6. Carefully cascade the chocolate batter over the cherry layer, taking care to spread it evenly and completely cover the fruit.
7. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the cake develops a rich, dark surface and a inserted toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest in the pan for a brief 5-minute cooling period.
9. Invert the cake onto a heat-resistant serving plate with a swift, confident motion, revealing the glistening cherry topping.

Notes

• Frozen cherries work perfectly if thawed, saving time and allowing year-round baking.
• Always line the pan with parchment paper for effortless cake removal and minimal mess.
• Cornstarch helps cherries maintain their shape and create a beautiful glossy fruit layer.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean without wet batter.
• Let the cake rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and prevent breaking during flipping.
• Serve warm or at room temperature for the most delightful chocolate and cherry flavor combination.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg