Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on a traditional dessert. With its rich, moist chocolate cake paired with a gooey, sweet cherry topping, it’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or cozy nights in. This easy-to-make cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With minimal steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this cake ready in no time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a deliciously unique taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this cake fits right in.
• Stunning Presentation: Inverting the cake reveals a beautiful cherry topping that looks as good as it tastes.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: The chocolate cake remains moist and tender thanks to the cherry filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to make everything easier. Having the right equipment makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking and allows ample space for the cherry topping.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is needed to combine the cake batter smoothly without spills.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter for better texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter evenly over the cherries and making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Topping

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

For the Cake Batter

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare for the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
3. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake

Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Place a large serving platter on top of the baking pan and carefully invert it onto the platter. Serve warm or at room temperature for best enjoyment!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Serving the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this heavenly treat.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast that melts deliciously into the warm cake.

With Whipped Topping

• Serve with a dollop of whipped topping to add a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the chocolate.

Fresh Cherries Garnish

• Top with fresh cherries for an extra fruity kick and a pop of color that enhances presentation.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce can intensify the chocolate flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Pair it with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful post-meal treat that balances sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and water are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Grease the Pan Well: Properly greasing your baking pan prevents sticking and makes inverting the cake easier.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a dense texture.
• Cool Before Inverting: Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it onto a platter to maintain its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Enhancing your dessert experience can be achieved by pairing the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake with these delicious side dishes.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits to balance out the sweetness of the cake.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   A light and airy mousse that complements the cake’s flavors without overwhelming them.

4. Coconut Cream Pie
   Adds a tropical twist and creamy texture that’s perfect alongside chocolate desserts.

5. Pecan Pie Bars
   Chewy and nutty bars that provide crunch and pair wonderfully with cherries.

6. Lemon Sorbet
   A tangy sorbet that cleanses the palate between bites of rich cake, offering a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake even more delightful.

• Using cold ingredients: It’s important to use room temperature eggs and other ingredients for a smooth batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not greasing the pan properly: To avoid sticking, ensure the baking pan is well-greased. Use butter or non-stick spray generously on all surfaces.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool briefly in the pan helps set the layers and makes it easier to invert without breaking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An unheated oven can lead to uneven textures and longer cooking times.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a lid for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Using fresh cherries is possible! Just pit them and toss with sugar before layering them in the pan.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting a gluten-free chocolate cake mix will work perfectly while maintaining taste and texture.

What other toppings can I use for my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

You can try using sliced peaches, blueberries, or even mixed berries as delicious alternatives.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! This cake tastes great made a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by experimenting with different fruits or adding nuts for extra crunch. Give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

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Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a luscious dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate and sweet cherries. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. The moist chocolate cake sits atop a gooey cherry topping, creating a stunning presentation that will impress your guests. With minimal steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this treat in no time. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a deliciously satisfying experience.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Pour melted butter into the bottom of the pan, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it, then spread cherry pie filling on top.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the cherry filling and spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cooling for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh cherries tossed with sugar instead of pie filling. To make this cake gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Enhance your presentation by garnishing with fresh cherries or drizzling chocolate sauce on top.