Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a luscious dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with a sweet cherry topping baked underneath, creating a beautiful inverted appearance when served. The melty brown sugar and butter base caramelizes with the cherry pie filling, adding depth and moisture to every bite of the fluffy chocolate cake. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat, this cake offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Cake Batter
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of the cake.
- Create the Base Layer: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter to form a caramelized base.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer, distributing it across the entire surface for consistent flavor in every slice.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the cherry pie filling in the pan. Gently spread the batter evenly without disturbing the cherry layer beneath.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a large serving platter over the pan and carefully invert it to release the cake, revealing the beautiful cherry topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a quality chocolate cake mix for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is completely melted before mixing with brown sugar for even caramelization.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to prevent burning and ensure the topping stays intact.
- This cake is delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chocolate upside down cake, cherry upside down cake, chocolate cherry dessert, easy chocolate cake, upside down cake recipe, cherry cake