Print

Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

chocolate cherry upside down cake - featured image

A rich and fudgy chocolate cake topped with caramelized cherries, perfect for celebrations, brunches, or a simple family treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or thawed frozen cherries)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the cherry topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased cake pan. Arrange the pitted and halved cherries, cut side down, over the brown sugar mixture in a single layer. Set aside.
  3. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
  7. Pour the batter over the prepared cherry topping in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a spatula or butter knife along the edges to loosen the cake.
  10. Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan and carefully flip the cake over. Tap the pan gently to release the cake. Lift the pan off to reveal the stunning cherry topping!
  11. Let the cake cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use ripe cherries for the best flavor.’, ‘Ensure butter and milk are at room temperature for a better cake texture.’, ‘Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.’, ‘Flip the cake with confidence for the best results.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate, cherry, upside down cake, dessert, easy recipe, baking, sweet treat