Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake from the oven, the warm aroma of chocolate and caramelized cherries instantly wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. This dessert is not just a feast for the eyes—its rich, moist texture combined with the sweet, tart cherries creates an unforgettable experience. What I adore about this cake is its effortless charm; it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a wonderful choice for both special occasions and a weeknight treat. Plus, it’s surprisingly adaptable—whether you use fresh cherries or sweeten things up with cherry pie filling, the results are always delicious. Ready to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings! Why is this cake so irresistible? Decadent combination: The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with sweet, gooey cherries, making each bite a delightful experience. Effortless preparation: With just a few simple steps, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for bakers of any skill level. Versatile options: Feel free to experiment by using fresh cherries or different fillings to suit your taste. Perfectly moist texture: The combination of butter, eggs, and sugar ensures a rich, moist cake that never disappoints. Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, this cake is sure to wow your guests and become a favorite. Why not serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, just like I did with my delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bars? It elevates the whole experience! Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Ingredients For the Topping • Cherry Pie Filling – This provides a sweet topping layer; consider using fresh cherries for a burst of tartness. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; you can swap it for coconut oil for a dairy-free cake. • Brown Sugar – Offers that delightful caramel flavor; white sugar can be used, but it will alter the taste slightly. For the Cake Batter • Chocolate Cake Mix – The base of the cake; for a homemade touch, feel free to use a from-scratch chocolate cake recipe. • Eggs (3 large) – These provide the necessary structure; for a vegan alternative, mix flaxseed meal with water instead. • Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup) – Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil or applesauce make for great substitutions. • Water (1 cup) – Hydrates the batter; for an extra chocolate flavor, substitute with brewed coffee instead. • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile; using pure vanilla is best for optimal taste. This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake not only tastes amazing but also brings everyone together for a sweet moment of bliss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Step 1: Prepare the Topping Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour ½ cup of melted unsalted butter evenly into the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the butter, creating a sweet caramel layer. Spread 1 can of cherry pie filling over the brown sugar, ensuring it’s distributed evenly for a luscious topping. Step 2: Make the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 package of chocolate cake mix, 3 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well blended. The Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake batter should be light and fluffy, signaling it’s ready for the next step. Step 3: Assemble the Cake Carefully pour the prepared chocolate cake batter over the cherry layer in the baking pan, making sure to cover it evenly. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter into the corners of the pan, ensuring a level surface. This will allow the cake to rise beautifully and form a delightful topping of cherries once baked. Step 4: Bake the Cake Place the assembled Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on your oven. Step 5: Cool and Invert Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the toppings set and makes inverting easier. After cooling, place a serving platter over the cake, then carefully flip the pan over to release the cake onto the platter, revealing the gorgeous cherry topping. Storage Tips for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Room Temperature: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain the cake’s moistness while keeping the delightful flavors intact. Fridge: If you need a longer storage option, wrap the cake well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 1 week to preserve its delicious taste. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Reheating: To enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or briefly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cherry topping (melted butter and brown sugar with cherry pie filling) up to 24 hours in advance by pouring it into your greased pan and refrigerating it. The cake batter can also be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. When you’re ready to finish, simply preheat the oven, pour the batter over the cherry layer, and bake as directed. This means less hassle on busy weeknights and all the deliciousness you crave—without compromising on flavor! Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and other ingredients are at room temperature to help the cake rise and create a tender texture. Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture, so be gentle with your batter. Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C). If your oven runs cold, your cake may take longer to bake and may not rise as expected. Distribute Toppings Evenly: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer to ensure every slice has that perfect cherry topping. Let it Cool Before Inverting: Allow the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake to cool for at least 10 minutes to set the toppings, making it easier to flip without losing the beautiful presentation. What to Serve with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Warm brownies, with their rich, fudgy texture, make for a delightful pairing that complements the cake’s indulgent nature. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy vanilla balances the rich chocolate and fruity toppings beautifully, creating a perfect contrast. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the moistness of the cake, perfect for decorating slices. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice enhances the chocolate flavor, making the dessert even more decadent and appealing. Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries bring a refreshing tartness, providing a lovely textural contrast while brightening the plate with vibrant color. For a truly special occasion. Pairing with a glass of sparkling rosé can elevate the experience, adding a celebratory feel and refreshing sparkle. Imagine serving this cake with a side of crispy caramelized nuts for added crunch and flavor, enhancing both the texture and the overall taste. Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Variations Feel free to get creative and customize your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake with these fun ideas to match your taste! Fresh Cherries: Swap canned cherries for fresh ones to get a burst of tartness and natural flavor. Just adjust the sugar to balance their acidity. Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the cake mix with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture that boosts nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter for delightful texture and extra flavor—who doesn’t love a bit of crunch? Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, swirl in melted dark chocolate before baking to deepen the cocoa flavor and create a visually appealing marbled effect. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter for an unexpected twist that elevates the chocolate and cherry combination. Zesty Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrusy aroma to brighten your chocolate cake experience. Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk to create a scrumptious vegan version of this classic treat. Cherry Preserves: Before pouring the batter, layer some cherry preserves for an extra punch of cherry flavor underneath the cake—it’s a sweet surprise in every slice. There’s no limit to the exciting adaptations you can explore with this recipe! If you find a combination you love, let us know in the comments, and perhaps pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream like with my delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bars. Enjoy baking! Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right cherries for my cake? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using fresh cherries if they’re in season—they provide a wonderful tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and brown sugar. If using canned cherry pie filling, look for products without added high-fructose corn syrup for a more natural flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake? Great question! Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This helps retain moisture and flavor! Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake? Absolutely! To freeze, cut the cake into individual slices, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm it in the microwave or oven. What should I do if my cake is too dense? Very! If your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake turns out dense, the likely culprit is overmixing the batter. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. Remember, a light hand is key to a fluffy cake! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Yes, indeed! For a dairy-free version, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs for a vegan option. Always be cautious about allergies—check that your cake mix and cherry toppings don’t contain any allergens relevant to your guests. How can I enhance the flavors in my cake? Absolutely! To boost flavor, you can substitute the water in your recipe with brewed coffee for a richer chocolate taste. Additionally, consider swirling in some melted chocolate into the batter or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm undertone. The more the merrier when it comes to flavor! Irresistible Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe Savor the delightful flavor of Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Topping1 can Cherry Pie Filling Fresh cherries can be used as an alternative.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can be swapped for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.1 cup Brown Sugar White sugar can be used but will alter taste.For the Cake Batter1 package Chocolate Cake Mix Homemade chocolate cake recipe can be used.3 large Eggs Flaxseed meal mixed with water can be used for a vegan alternative.1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil or applesauce can be substituted.1 cup Water Brewed coffee can be used for extra chocolate flavor.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Using pure vanilla is best for optimal taste. Equipment 9x13 inch baking panMixing BowlElectric mixerSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour ½ cup of melted unsalted butter evenly into the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the butter, creating a sweet caramel layer. Spread 1 can of cherry pie filling over the brown sugar, ensuring it's distributed evenly for a luscious topping.In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 package of chocolate cake mix, 3 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well blended.Carefully pour the prepared chocolate cake batter over the cherry layer in the baking pan, making sure to cover it evenly. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter into the corners of the pan.Place the assembled Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with few crumbs attached.Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, place a serving platter over the cake, then carefully flip the pan over to release the cake onto the platter, revealing the gorgeous cherry topping. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Let the cake cool before inverting for best presentation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
