If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts and love the sweetness of cherries, this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! With a luscious layer of juicy cherries and a tender, moist chocolate cake on top, this dessert is an irresistible combination of fruitiness and chocolatey decadence. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as the star of your next dinner party. Let’s dive into this delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy all your cravings!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Tips for the Perfect Upside Down Cake
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned, drained)
For the Chocolate Cake Batter:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup hot water
Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter.
- Arrange the pitted cherries evenly over the brown sugar layer.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but this helps create a moist cake.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake
- Carefully pour the chocolate cake batter over the cherries in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then place a serving plate upside down over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Let it sit for a minute before lifting off the pan.
Tips for the Perfect Upside Down Cake
- Cherry Choices: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Inversion Tip: Be careful when inverting the cake—wear oven mitts to avoid burning yourself and be sure to do it over a flat, stable surface.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Different Fruits: Try using raspberries, blackberries, or even pineapple for a fruity twist.
- White Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the cake batter for a contrasting sweet flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake 1 day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
3. What other pan can I use besides a round cake pan?
You can also use a 9-inch square pan or a cast-iron skillet. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed and test for doneness.
4. Can I use cherry pie filling?
While fresh or canned cherries are ideal for this recipe, you can use cherry pie filling in a pinch, though it will be sweeter and more syrupy.
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a truly decadent dessert that combines the classic pairing of cherries and chocolate in a unique way. The luscious cherry topping paired with the rich, moist chocolate cake makes each bite heavenly. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake is bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. Try this easy recipe, and enjoy the rich, fruity, and chocolatey goodness!
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice!
