If you’re looking for a dessert that brings joy with every bite, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫. This delightful cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that leaves everyone wanting more. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake fits right in, bringing warmth and happiness to any occasion.

What makes this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake special is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up quickly and delight friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, let’s be honest: who can resist the comforting aroma of chocolate baking in the oven?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious cake ready to share.
Crowd-pleaser: The combination of chocolate and cherries is always a hit and perfect for all ages.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake it ahead of time and serve it warm or at room temperature; it stays moist and tasty!
Gorgeous presentation: When inverted, the vibrant cherry topping steals the show, making it look as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need for your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫:

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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the fruit: Use blueberries or peaches instead of cherries for a different fruity flavor.
Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cherry layer for added crunch.
Try different extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.

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 to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick later on. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan, letting it coat evenly. Next, sprinkle brown sugar over the butter; this creates that sweet caramel-like base that pairs so beautifully with cherries! Finally, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over this layer so every slice will have those delicious fruits.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth and well combined. It’s important to ensure there are no lumps; this will help create that rich texture we love in cakes!

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly. Take your time here—this step ensures each bite has that perfect balance between chocolatey goodness and luscious fruit topping.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. The smell will start wafting through your home—it’s hard not to sneak a taste!

Step 5: Cool and Invert

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; this helps set everything together nicely. Place a large serving platter over your baking pan and carefully invert the cake onto it. Voila! You now have a stunning Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake ready to be served warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with loved ones; it’s bound to become one of their favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Making this delightful cake is a breeze, but a few handy tips can take your baking skills to the next level!

Use fresh cherries for added flavor: If you have access to fresh cherries, pit and slice them to use instead of canned pie filling. Fresh cherries bring a vibrant taste and texture that elevates the dish.
Ensure even mixing: When combining the cake ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. This helps maintain a light and airy texture in your cake.
Check for doneness with precision: Instead of just relying on time, check the cake with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
Cool before inverting: Allowing the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting helps prevent it from breaking apart. This step is crucial for maintaining that beautiful cherry topping!
Experiment with different cake mixes: While chocolate is delicious, feel free to try other flavors like vanilla or spice cake mixes. Each variation brings its own charm to this classic dessert.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫

Serving this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this scrumptious treat beautifully.

Garnishes

Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy, tropical twist that perfectly complements the chocolate and cherries.
Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate on top for an elegant finish that enhances the chocolate flavor and adds visual appeal.
Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream paired with warm slices of cake creates a heavenly dessert experience!
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cake while adding a burst of freshness.
Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola can offer a delightful crunch and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with your dessert.
Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea not only warms you up but also complements the rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors beautifully.

Enjoy sharing this decadent Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 with friends and family; it’s bound to become a favorite! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making it a fantastic option for gatherings or when you want a sweet treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cake cool completely and then cut it into portions.
Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through.
For a crispy top, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert!

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake from scratch?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a box mix for convenience, you can substitute it with your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just ensure it’s enough to fill your pan!

How do I store Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

To store your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫, let it cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then toss them with some sugar and cornstarch before layering them on the bottom of the pan. This will help create that gooey sauce we love.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even swirling in some cream cheese for added richness. You could also use different fruit fillings if cherries aren’t your favorite.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 as much as I do! It’s a special treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. With its rich chocolate flavor and sweet cherry topping, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating this delightful dessert, and don’t forget to share how yours turns out—I’d love to hear from you!

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a luscious dessert that captures hearts and taste buds alike! This cake features a rich chocolate base topped with sweet cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to impress at any gathering. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Simply whip up the batter, layer it over cherry pie filling, and watch it transform into a gorgeous masterpiece. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the smiles as you share this irresistible treat!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Pour melted butter into the pan, sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top, and spread the cherry pie filling over this layer.
In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Carefully pour the batter over the cherry filling in the pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.