Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re in the mood for a delightful dessert that’s both chocolatey and fruity, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite, the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. This cake has been a staple at my family gatherings, and every time I make it, I’m magically transported back to those warm afternoons spent in my grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of chocolate wafted through the air, mixing beautifully with fresh cherries. It’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, so get ready to be the star of your next get-together!
What makes this cake special is how the luscious cherries soak into the chocolate cake as it bakes, creating a rich, gooey sweetness that you won’t be able to resist. Plus, flipping it upside down reveals a stunning glossy cherry topping that makes it look just as great as it tastes. When friends come over, I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Just imagine the smiles on their faces when I bring this beauty to the table—pure joy! Now, let’s get into the details of what you need to make this scrumptious dessert.
What’s in Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?
Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries are key to this recipe. I prefer using fresh cherries when they’re in season because they are juicier and add a lovely burst of tartness to the cake. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen does the job beautifully too!
Brown Sugar: The magic ingredient that gives our cake that deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich, gooey layer at the bottom.
Unsalted Butter: Because who doesn’t love a buttery base? It adds richness and helps with that delightful flip when you turn the cake out.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, it helps to create a nice structure.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives our cake its deep chocolate flavor. I recommend using a good quality cocoa powder here for the best taste.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our secret leavening agents that allow the cake to rise and be fluffy.
Salt: Just a touch enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cake.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
Egg: This binds our ingredients together, giving the cake richness and moisture.
Milk: A classic ingredient that helps with the liquid balance and makes our cake super moist.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake tender and soft—trust me, you don’t want a dry cake!
Vanilla Extract: Every good dessert needs a whisper of vanilla to round out the flavors.
Is Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Good for You?
I mean, we wouldn’t exactly call this a health food, but hey, it’s all about balance, right? Let’s break down some of the goodness in this cake!
Cherries: These little gems are packed with antioxidants and are a great source of vitamins C and A. Plus, they contain fiber, which helps keep your digestive system happy.
Cocoa Powder: Loaded with antioxidants, cocoa can help support heart health when consumed in moderation. Who knew, right? Just make sure you’re using the unsweetened kind to keep the sugar levels in check.
On the flip side, while this cake is delicious, it does come with some sugar and butter that we should enjoy in moderation. It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you’re looking to treat yourself (or your friends!).
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake (Serves 8)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Pour this delicious mixture into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
3. Arrange the cherries evenly over the brown sugar mixture in the pan. This step is like decorating your cake before baking!
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
5. In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure to take a moment to inhale that beautiful smell of vanilla!
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be tender!
7. Pour the cake batter over the cherries in the pan and spread it evenly. Just like slapping on the last coat of paint!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate while it’s still warm.
10. Allow the cake to cool for a few more minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature!
Delicious Tips & Variations
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
– This cake is also fabulous served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—honestly, what isn’t improved by ice cream?
– Don’t have cherries? You can swap them with other fruits like sliced peaches, or even apples for a delightful variation!
– If you don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan, a similar size baking dish will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the baking time!
I really hope you give this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake a try—it’s truly a showstopper! When you make this, don’t forget to take a picture and tag me; I love seeing your creations! Happy baking, my friends!
