This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this cake stands out with its gooey topping and moist texture. Its simplicity in preparation makes it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a deliciously sweet contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it cold as a delightful snack. It suits any occasion!
- Impressive Presentation: The inverted cherry topping gives this cake a stunning look that’s sure to impress guests.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it! This cake is a great way to introduce them to baking while enjoying a tasty treat.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even cooking and allows for easy flipping once baked.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer: While optional, it makes mixing the batter quicker and fluffier.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake:
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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly 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 butter.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. The chocolate cake mix,
2. Eggs,
3. Vegetable oil,
4. Water,
5. Vanilla extract.
Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling in an even layer.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven 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. Then, place a large serving platter over the baking pan and carefully invert the cake onto it. Serve warm or at room temperature for best results.
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 sweet treat.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the cake’s density.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a bright, fruity contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Raspberries: Their tartness enhances the cherry topping, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Drizzled Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocoholics, drizzle extra chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent finish.
- Caramel Sauce: A touch of warm caramel sauce can add a lovely sweetness and gooey texture.
How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Perfecting your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is all about attention to detail. Follow these simple tips for a show-stopping dessert.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate cake mix to enhance flavor.
- Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking throughout.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine ingredients until just mixed; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before inverting it; this helps maintain its shape and prevents breaking.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these tasty options.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake, enhancing its flavors.
- Tea: A light herbal tea can cleanse the palate while complementing the sweetness of the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast against the sweet cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the heaviness of the cake.
- Chocolate Fondue: For an indulgent treat, serve alongside chocolate fondue for dipping fruits or marshmallows.
- Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not preparing the pan properly: If you skip greasing the pan or don’t sprinkle the brown sugar evenly, the cake may stick or not release properly. Always grease your baking pan and ensure even coverage of brown sugar.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and moist one. Mix just until combined for the best results.
- Skipping the cooling time: If you try to invert the cake too soon, it may break apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting.
- Using expired ingredients: Old baking supplies can affect the cake’s rise and flavor. Always check expiration dates on your cake mix and other ingredients.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at a temperature that is too high can burn the top while leaving the center undercooked. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Place leftover cake in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
- Consume within 3-5 days: For optimal taste, enjoy your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake within this timeframe.
Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake well before freezing.
- Freeze for up to 3 months: This cake can retain its quality when frozen for this duration.
Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through, which takes about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake doesn’t stick?
Grease your baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it before adding cherries.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries; just pit them and toss them with some sugar before placing them in the pan.
What should I serve with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?
This dessert pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
How can I customize my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?
Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or incorporate spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering, it’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings according to your tastes. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries that creates an irresistible dessert for any occasion. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also offers a stunning presentation with its gooey cherry topping. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress both family and friends. Its moist texture and delectable flavors make it a favorite among dessert lovers of all ages. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your dessert table.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In the prepared pan, pour melted butter, sprinkle brown sugar evenly, and spread cherry pie filling on top.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Pour the cake batter over the cherry topping in the pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to 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 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts or spices like cinnamon into the batter. If using fresh cherries instead of pie filling, toss them with sugar before adding them to the pan.