Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Name: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Published: August 28, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of chocolate and cherries creates a perfect balance between rich and fruity.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this cake comes together quickly.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, this cake fits right in.
Impressive Presentation: The upside-down design makes for a stunning display that will wow your guests.
Kid-Friendly: Children love the sweet taste and fun cherry topping, making it a hit for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal size for even baking and easy serving.
Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients thoroughly.
Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth cake batter quickly.
Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter evenly over the cherry filling.

Ingredients

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 is made with simple ingredients that create a delicious dessert everyone will love.

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: Prepare the Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Place a large serving platter over the baking pan and carefully invert the cake onto the platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Serving your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is just as important as baking it. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making it suitable for any occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve the cake warm topped with a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream for a creamy contrast to the chocolate and cherries.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over each slice before serving.

Whipped Topping

Lighten up the dessert by adding dollops of whipped cream or a plant-based alternative on top of each piece for added sweetness.

Fresh Cherries

Garnish with fresh cherries for a pop of color and freshness that complements the baked cherries beautifully.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, perfect for special occasions.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Achieving the perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you make an unforgettable dessert.

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate cake mix and fresh cherries when possible. This enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Ensure Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until smooth but avoid overmixing; this will help keep your cake light and fluffy.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake during baking. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Let It Cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before inverting helps set the layers, preventing them from sliding apart.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or citrus zest to the batter for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options that complement its rich flavors.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A classic pairing that brings out the cherry notes in the cake while providing a creamy texture.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, a light mousse offers an elegant touch without overwhelming flavors.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake: This slightly tangy cake provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet cherry chocolate flavors.
Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side to add texture and depth when enjoyed alongside each slice.
Herbed Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create a delightful savory contrast to the sweet cake, making it perfect for gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing the pan can lead to a cake that sticks. Always grease your baking pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and water can affect batter consistency. Bring your eggs and water to room temperature for a smoother batter.
Not Mixing Thoroughly: A lumpy batter can result in an uneven texture. Mix until the batter is smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Overbaking the Cake: Baking for too long can dry out your cake. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon may cause it to fall apart. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep slices separated with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

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 slices for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just pit and slice them, then mix with sugar and a bit of cornstarch as a thickening agent.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of regular cake mix.

What can I serve with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫?

This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or switch up the fruit based on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its rich flavors at any gathering!

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