Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate and the bright, juicy pop of cherries, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe. This cake is not only beautifully dramatic to serve but also wonderfully moist and bursting with fruity goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again to impress friends or just enjoy a cozy night in!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe lies in pairing fresh or thawed cherries with a rich chocolate batter, brightened with soured milk and coffee. Each ingredient brings its own punch, so picking quality items makes a difference in the final cake.

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: I prefer fresh, but frozen work just fine—just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cherries and the batter evenly; don’t skimp here to keep the perfect balance.
• Corn Starch: This thickens the cherry layer so it doesn’t turn watery during baking.
• All Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing just enough structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa for deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise nicely and stay fluffy.
• Eggs: Add moisture and bind the batter together perfectly.
• Soured Milk: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb—you can easily make this at home by adding vinegar or lemon juice to milk.
• Brewed Black Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, seriously.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe is versatile enough to make your own. Whether you want to dial up the chocolate or add a nutty crunch, there’s room for creativity—and honestly, experimenting has led me to some fun twists I recommend trying!

• Add an Almond Twist: I’ve often sprinkled sliced almonds over the cherry layer before adding the batter. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and gives a lovely nutty aroma.
• Vegan Adaptation: For vegan baking, I’ve replaced eggs with flax eggs and used plant-based milk soured with lemon; it still turns out moist and flavorful.
• Seasonal Variations: Swap out cherries for peaches or mixed berries for a summer twist—just adjust sugar depending on fruit sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cherry Layer Like a Pro

Start by greasing and flouring your 9-inch cake pan or an 8×8 square dish—whichever you prefer. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release later; trust me, it’s a game changer. Mix the sugar and cornstarch, then toss in your pitted cherries, coating them fully. Frozen cherries work great here, but let them thaw about 20 minutes beforehand to avoid excess moisture.

Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, soured milk, brewed coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and silky. This even mixing helps develop a light crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Gently pour the chocolate batter evenly over the cherry layer in the pan. Try not to disturb the cherries too much—you want them to stay nicely nestled at the bottom. Pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will let you know it’s close!

Step 4: The Grand Unveiling

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. This helps the cherry glaze set slightly and prevents it from sticking when you turn the cake out. Run a knife around the edges, then invert onto a heatproof serving plate. Be patient—this part is so worth it when you reveal that glossy cherry top.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this cake with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream—its light sweetness complements the deep chocolate and tart cherries perfectly. Sometimes I drizzle a homemade chocolate ganache over the top for extra richness, which takes it up a notch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

For a crowd-pleasing combo, pair the cake with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cherry sorbet. If you’re hosting brunch, a side of fresh fruit salad or a cup of strong black coffee balances the indulgence nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was cutting the cake into small squares and serving them on mini dessert plates topped with a fresh cherry and sprig of mint—perfect for a party. Another time, I layered slices between thin layers of whipped mascarpone for a decadent trifle twist that got rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then frozen in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge—it’s almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven covered with foil. This keeps the cake moist without drying it out, especially if you’re serving it with ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe is one of those desserts that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. I love how it brings out the best in both chocolate and cherries while being forgiving enough for home bakers who enjoy a little kitchen adventure. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, you really can’t go wrong with this one—give it a try and treat yourself to a slice (or two!).

Print