Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
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

Published: September 3, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a rich and satisfying taste that pleases everyone.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Dessert: Suitable for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake fits any setting.
Gooey Topping: The melted brown sugar and cherry filling provide an irresistible topping that enhances every bite.
Moist Texture: The cake remains moist and fluffy thanks to the addition of eggs and vegetable oil.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring cups
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

9×13-inch baking pan: This size allows even baking and provides ample space for the cherry topping to spread.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine ingredients without spilling, making preparation easier.
Whisk or electric mixer: These tools ensure that the batter is mixed thoroughly for a uniform texture.

Ingredients

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is made with straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Topping

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar

For the Cake

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

Creating this delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake involves several simple steps. Follow along closely!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan generously to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over this brown sugar layer.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Place your assembled cake in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once cooled slightly:
1. Place a large serving platter over your baking pan.
2. Carefully invert the cake onto the platter so that the cherry topping is on top.

Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Serving Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors. This cake can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for casual family gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

Pair with Whipped Cream

Lightened whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the cake.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm cake, creating a delightful contrast.

Add Fresh Cherries on Top

Garnish with fresh cherries for a pop of color and an extra burst of cherry flavor.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

A rich chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives the cake a beautiful presentation and enhances its sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

To make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake is moist and flavorful every time you bake it.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter mix better at room temperature, leading to a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake; some lumps are okay.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Use Quality Cherry Filling: The cherry filling can make or break this cake; choose one that’s rich and flavorful.
Let It Cool Before Inverting: Cooling for at least 10 minutes helps prevent breakage when flipping the cake onto a platter.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tang of coleslaw complement the sweet flavors perfectly.
Classic Vanilla Pudding: This soft dessert offers a mild flavor that pairs well with the boldness of chocolate and cherries.
Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, mousse provides an elegant touch while keeping things deliciously chocolatey.
Roasted Nuts: A blend of roasted almonds or walnuts adds crunch and a savory element that balances sweetness.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an interactive dessert by offering various toppings alongside your upside-down cake for customization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold eggs or water can lead to a lumpy batter. Allow your ingredients to come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
Not Greasing the Pan Properly: If you don’t grease your pan well, the cake may stick. Ensure you coat the bottom and sides thoroughly with butter before adding the brown sugar and cherry filling.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake immediately can cause it to crumble. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting for better structure.
Using Different Cake Mixes: Substituting different cake mixes may affect flavor and texture. Stick to chocolate cake mix for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
The Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh cherries. Just pit and slice them, then mix with a bit of sugar and cornstarch before adding them to the cake.

What is the best way to serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

How do I customize my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or mix in chocolate chips for added richness if desired.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores.

How long does it take to bake this cake?

The baking time is around 35-40 minutes, but always check with a toothpick inserted into the center.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its rich chocolate flavor combined with sweet cherries makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or using fresh fruit instead of pie filling. Give this delightful dessert a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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