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Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

4.6 from 82 reviews

This Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a luscious dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake baked over a layer of sweet, buttery cherries. The result is a moist, decadent cake with a caramelized cherry topping that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Layer

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Chocolate Cake Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, spread the melted butter evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the butter, then arrange the pitted cherries in a single layer on top of the sugar mixture.
  2. Make the chocolate cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  3. Assemble and bake: Pour the chocolate cake batter gently over the cherries in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool and invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully loosen the edges with a knife and invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful cherry topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before use.
  • For extra flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
  • Ensure the cake is cool enough before inverting to prevent breaking.
  • Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Keywords: chocolate cherry upside-down cake, cherry cake, chocolate cake, upside-down cake, fruit cake, dessert recipe