Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both nostalgic and downright delicious, the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is about to become your newest baking obsession. Imagine a luscious blanket of juicy cherries nestled beneath a rich, moist chocolate cake, all flipped to reveal glistening ruby fruit atop tender chocolate crumb. The best part? This cake is astonishingly simple to pull together but never fails to wow guests at potlucks or family dinners. Each bite is a delightful mix of tart cherries and deep chocolate flavors that feels both classic and just a little bit unexpected—truly a decadent treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is the magic that happens when humble pantry staples meet a few special touches. Every ingredient here plays a role, building layers of flavor and the showstopping look that make this cake so memorable.

• Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the upside down topping, delivering juicy, sweet-tart cherries with zero pitting required.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates a luscious caramelized base that soaks up with every bite.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, deep sweetness that perfectly complements both the cherries and the chocolate.
• Chocolate Cake Mix: This shortcut brings reliable fudgy goodness and makes the whole process a breeze.
• Large Eggs: Essential for a fluffy, tender crumb that holds together when slicing.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist (and also makes it easy to mix by hand if you don’t have a mixer).
• Water: Evens out the richness and helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of pure vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes both cherries and chocolate really shine.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Don’t skip this step—well-greased pans make for the most dramatic (and least stressful!) upside down flips later.

Step 2: Layer the Butter and Sugar

Pour the melted butter directly into your prepared pan, swirling it so that it covers every inch of the bottom. Then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. As the cake bakes, this combo will bubble into an irresistible caramel layer beneath the fruit.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Topping

Spoon the cherry pie filling over the sugar layer, doing your best to spread the cherries evenly so that every bite is packed with fruit. The more careful you are here, the more beautiful your chocolate cherry upside down cake will look when unveiled.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. You can use a stand or handheld mixer, but even a sturdy whisk works wonderfully. Mix until the batter is completely smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherries, smoothing it out with a spatula so the entire surface is covered. Don’t worry if some cherries peek through—it’ll all blend as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top (which will become the base) should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Invert

Let the cake rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, with a bit of courage and a deft hand, place a large serving platter over the pan and invert the whole thing. A soft thud and you’ll have a display-worthy Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake ready to slice and serve. It’s fantastic warm, but still lovely at room temperature.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

This cake is already stunning, but adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it downright irresistible. For a finishing touch, grate a little dark chocolate or sprinkle chopped toasted almonds on top to echo the decadent chocolate-cherry flavors.

Side Dishes

The best partners for this cake are simple and light. Serve alongside fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a cup of hot coffee or milk to keep things balanced and allow the cake’s rich flavors to really stand out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, cut the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake into individual squares and serve each on its own small plate, drizzled with cherry syrup or chocolate sauce. If you’re hosting, try baking the cake in mini loaf pans for adorable (and portable) desserts that are perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow resist finishing the whole cake in one sitting, leftovers are easy to keep. Wrap the cake (on its platter or cut into slices) tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake! Let any remaining cake cool completely, cut into portions, and wrap each slice tightly before placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a classic treat anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven experience, gently reheat slices in the microwave in 10- to 20-second bursts. If you’d rather, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The cherries will regain their sumptuous juiciness as the cake warms.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just cook fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until you have a thick, jammy mixture. Homemade filling adds a lovely homemade touch and lets you control the sweetness.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

No worries—you can use two 8-inch square pans, or try a deep round cake pan (just avoid overfilling). Keep an eye on baking time since it may vary slightly depending on your pan choice.

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a trusted gluten-free chocolate cake mix that bakes well in the same proportions. Check your pie filling is gluten-free as well, and you’re set.

How do I avoid a soggy cake bottom?

Spread the cherries out evenly to avoid pooling, and don’t overdo the pie filling. Letting the cake cool ten minutes before inverting also helps the caramel layer firm up without making the cake too moist.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and invert the cake up to a day ahead, then cover and let it sit at room temperature. If you want to serve warm, gently reheat before plating and adding garnishes.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is pure joy on a plate, blending nostalgic flavors with a dessert-lover’s dream texture. It’s so easy, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again, whether for a last-minute dessert or a planned celebration. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste this outrageously delicious!

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