This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with sweet, juicy cherries. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake stands out with its gooey topping and moist texture. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you will find yourself reaching for a slice again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dessert quickly.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a heavenly taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature for any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: Inverting the cake reveals a beautiful cherry topping that looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking and makes it easy to invert the cake later.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl provides enough space to mix your ingredients without spills.
- Whisk or electric mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth batter quickly.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Ingredients
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. With a rich, moist chocolate cake and a gooey, sweet cherry topping, it’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible!
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.
Enjoy this delightful Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 with friends and family!
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 many ways that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make this cake even more irresistible.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top for a light and creamy contrast.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious temperature contrast.
Garnished with Cherries
- Top each slice with fresh cherries to highlight the cherry flavor and add a pop of color.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle extra chocolate sauce over the cake for an indulgent touch.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange slices on a decorative platter for special occasions, making it visually appealing for guests.
How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫
To make sure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and quality chocolate cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until combined to avoid tough cake. A few lumps are okay!
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool before inverting helps maintain its shape and prevents breaking.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or coconut flakes along with cherries for added texture and flavor variety.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫
Enjoying your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can be elevated by pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that balances sweetness and adds creaminess.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide freshness and brighten the overall meal.
- Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers an indulgent experience that pairs well with the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake slices for an extra sweet twist.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love desserts, pecan pie bars make an excellent combo alongside this cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting.
Skipping the Greasing Step: Failing to grease your baking pan properly may cause the cake to stick. Use butter or cooking spray to coat the pan evenly.
Not Allowing the Cake to Cool: Removing the cake from the oven and inverting it immediately can result in breakage. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake dense. Stir just until combined for a lighter texture.
Using Expired Ingredients: Check expiration dates on your cake mix and eggs. Old ingredients can affect flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just pit and slice them, then add sugar and cornstarch for sweetness and thickness.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Can I customize this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫?
Absolutely! You can add nuts or swap out chocolate for another flavor like vanilla or red velvet.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫 is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich chocolate flavor combined with sweet cherries makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings! Try making this delightful dessert today and enjoy its comforting flavors at home.
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake 🍒🍫
Indulge in the deliciousness of our Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly marries rich chocolate with sweet, juicy cherries. This easy-to-make cake is a showstopper for birthdays, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. Its gooey cherry topping and moist texture are sure to impress, making it a favorite among friends and family. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice in no time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Pour the melted butter into the pan, sprinkle brown sugar on top, and evenly spread the cherry pie filling.
- In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cherry layer and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (89g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
