Luscious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Sweet Cherry & Chocolate Flip Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Delight

Sweet, gooey cherries nestled in a rich chocolate cherry upside down cake recipe dance with decadence on your plate.

Bursts of fruity brightness peek through a velvety chocolate landscape that promises pure indulgence.

Dark, moist layers complement the bright, tangy cherries in a symphony of flavors that tantalize every taste bud.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance between deep cocoa intensity and fresh fruit notes.

The cake emerges from the oven with a glossy, caramelized cherry topping that hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Bakers and dessert lovers will adore this show-stopping treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Go Into Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

For Fruit Layer:
  • Cherries: Vibrant, sweet centerpiece that adds juicy bursts of flavor and stunning color contrast to the chocolate cake.
  • Sugar: Helps caramelize cherries and create a luscious, glossy fruit topping.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens fruit juices to prevent soggy cake bottom and enhance sauce-like consistency.
For Cake Batter Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy, tender cake structure with perfect crumb texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate intensity and dark, sophisticated color.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, airy cake rise with soft, delicate texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate flavor profile.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds moisture, and creates smooth, cohesive batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake incredibly moist and tender, preventing dryness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth, creamy cake consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Amplifies chocolate depth and provides subtle aromatic undertone.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cake from sticking and ensures seamless release.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Guarantees easy pan release and prevents cake from clinging.

Tools You’ll Need for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

  • 9-inch round pan or 8×8 square baking dish: Crucial for baking the cake with the right shape and depth.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
  • Electric mixer: Essential for creating a smooth, well-blended cake batter.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sugar and cornstarch for coating cherries.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake batter ingredients.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.
  • Heat-proof serving plate: Ideal for presenting and serving the upside-down cake.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Step by Step

Cherry Chocolate Paradise

  • Cherry Arrangement

Sprinkle sugar-cornstarch mixture over fresh cherries, coating them gently. Spread these glistening gems across the bottom of your baking pan, creating a vibrant crimson landscape.

  • Chocolate Batter Magic

Blend chocolate ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, rich chocolate dream. The batter should flow like liquid velvet, promising decadent sweetness.

  • Baking Anticipation

Slide the pan into a warm 350°F oven, letting the cherries and chocolate dance together for 30-35 minutes. Watch for the magical moment when a toothpick emerges clean, signaling cake perfection.

  • Dramatic Reveal

After a brief cooling pause, confidently flip the cake onto a serving plate. The cherries will peek through, creating a stunning canvas of deep red against rich chocolate brown.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Texture

  • Pick fresh, ripe cherries with deep, rich color for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness.
  • Ensure cake batter is smooth and lump-free by mixing ingredients at room temperature for better blending and lighter texture.
  • Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance chocolate cake's depth by adding a splash of espresso or dark rum to intensify the rich cocoa notes.
  • Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for an elegant presentation that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

  • Cherry Chocolate Decadence: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and creamy complement.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings to create a stunning visual appeal.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Pair with a light champagne or coffee to elevate this dessert from a simple treat to a sophisticated morning indulgence.
  • Rustic Comfort Serving: Enjoy at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers for added texture and nutty flavor.

How to Keep Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Fresh

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the chocolate cherry upside down cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Counter Comfort: If serving within 24 hours, keep the cake at room temperature on a cake stand with a protective dome. This helps maintain the cake's soft texture and prevents it from drying out.
  • Fruit Freshness Tip: When using fresh cherries, select ripe but firm fruits. Store unused cherries in the refrigerator in a breathable container and use within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and texture.
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Luscious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Luscious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade chocolate cherry upside down cake delivers rich, moist layers complemented by sweet-tart cherry highlights. Dark chocolate and fresh cherries combine in a delightful dessert passionate bakers will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) soured milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) brewed black coffee
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) plus 1 tbsp cocoa
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp corn starch
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Generously grease and flour a baking pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper to ensure effortless cake release.
  2. Cherry Coating: Whisk cornstarch and sugar in a mixing bowl, creating a delicate protective layer for the cherries. Gently fold pitted cherries into the mixture, ensuring even coverage. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw for 20 minutes.
  3. Cherry Arrangement: Spread the sugar-coated cherries in a uniform layer across the pan’s bottom, crafting a vibrant fruity foundation that will become the cake’s stunning top when inverted.
  4. Batter Creation: Combine all chocolate cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to blend until the batter reaches a silky, smooth consistency with no lumps.
  5. Cake Assembly: Pour the chocolate batter over the cherry layer, carefully spreading it to completely cover the fruit, creating an even surface that will transform into a decadent dessert.
  6. Baking: Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake until the cake develops a rich, dark surface and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating perfect doneness.
  7. Finishing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then confidently invert onto a serving plate, unveiling the glistening cherry topping in a dramatic reveal that showcases the cake’s beautiful design.

Notes

  • Thaw Cherries Properly: If using frozen cherries, let them sit at room temperature for exactly 20 minutes to prevent excess moisture and maintain texture.
  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Meticulously grease pan, dust with flour, and line bottom with parchment paper to ensure seamless cake release.
  • Distribute Cherries Evenly: Spread sugar-coated cherries in a uniform layer to create a consistent, beautiful fruity foundation for the cake.
  • Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test – when inserted into the center, it should emerge clean with no wet batter, indicating perfect baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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