Description

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake delivers a beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor, featuring a layer of caramelized cherries and a rich, tender chocolate cake. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dessert, this treat combines the deep sweetness of cherries with decadent cocoa for an unforgettable bite.

Ingredients

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For the Cherry Topping

3 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Cake

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 unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan & Cherry Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, then spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Arrange pitted cherries in a single layer over the sugar mixture.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Assemble and Bake: Gently spread the chocolate batter over the cherries in the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the topping.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg