This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavor of chocolate with the sweet, tartness of cherries. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any special occasion, this cake is easy to make and visually stunning. The gooey cherry topping contrasts beautifully with the moist chocolate base, making it an irresistible treat for all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a celebration, this cake fits right in.
• Showstopper Presentation: Inverting the cake reveals a beautiful cherry topping that impresses guests.
• Perfectly Moist: The rich chocolate cake stays moist thanks to the cherry pie filling.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake comes out perfectly, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan provides the perfect size for baking and inverting your cake evenly.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly and easily.

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Ingredients

For this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, gather the following ingredients:

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
4. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
2. 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 your delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Serving your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious cake.

With Whipped Topping

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich chocolate and sweet cherries perfectly.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, creating a delightful treat.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce over each slice enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Fresh Cherries on Top

• Garnish each slice with fresh cherries for a burst of color and added freshness. This also enhances the cherry flavor in the cake.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying a slice of this cake with a cup of coffee or tea can create a comforting dessert experience, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Perfecting your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is key to achieving that moist and flavorful finish everyone will love.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling can make a significant difference in flavor.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
• Let It Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a platter. This helps maintain its structure.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the cake, making it an ideal pairing.

2. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and complements the flavors of cherry without overwhelming them.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   Light and airy chocolate mousse is a decadent addition that pairs well with the cherry topping.

4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy contrast to the moist cake, making for an indulgent treat.

5. Pecan Pie Bars
   The nutty flavor of pecan pie bars contrasts nicely with the sweetness of chocolate and cherries.

6. Coffee Cake Muffins
   These muffins provide a cozy, comforting option that works well alongside your dessert during brunch or gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures that your cake rises properly and bakes evenly.
• Not greasing the pan: Failing to grease your baking pan can cause the cake to stick. Always prepare your pan with butter or cooking spray.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and other ingredients may not blend well into the batter. Make sure to bring them to room temperature for a smoother mix.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and check it a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices of cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, using fresh cherries is a great option! Just pit and slice them before adding them to the cake.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix available at stores.

What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract or simply omit it; the cake will still be delicious!

How should I serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

This dessert is delightful served warm with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or using different fruits as toppings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Don’t hesitate—try making it today!

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Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with our Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. This mouthwatering dessert combines the rich essence of chocolate with the vibrant sweetness of cherries, creating a show-stopping treat perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any special occasion. The gooey cherry topping contrasts beautifully with the moist chocolate cake base, making each bite irresistible. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning when inverted, revealing a luscious cherry layer that will impress all your guests. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this decadent dessert that promises to be a crowd favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Pour melted butter into the pan and sprinkle with brown sugar. Spread cherry pie filling over the sugar layer.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter over the cherries evenly.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts or using fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a fresher taste. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing results.