Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: September 22, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a deliciously unique taste that everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
Impressive Presentation: Inverting the cake reveals a stunning cherry topping that looks beautiful on any dessert table.
Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature; it’s delicious either way!

Tools and Preparation

To make the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements will help achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your cake.
Baking pan: Using the correct size ensures even baking and helps prevent overflow.

Ingredients

For the 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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan 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:
1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then place a large serving platter over the baking pan and carefully invert it onto the platter. Serve warm or let it cool to room temperature before enjoying!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Serving Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can transform your dessert experience. This delightful cake pairs well with various flavors and textures, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Pair with Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cherries, creating a delicious combination.

Add Fresh Berries

Top the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness that balances the richness.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an indulgent touch.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

Serve slices of this cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Always check that your baking mix and other ingredients are within their expiration dates for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy texture.
Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify that your oven is at the right temperature, as variations can affect baking times.
Cool before inverting: Letting the cake cool briefly helps prevent it from breaking apart when you invert it onto a serving platter.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

Coconut Macaroons – Chewy and sweet, these pair perfectly with chocolate desserts, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Mixed Greens Salad – A refreshing salad with vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the cake.
Chocolate Pudding – For true chocolate lovers, serve alongside creamy chocolate pudding for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Salad – A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Frozen Yogurt – The tangy flavor of frozen yogurt offers a refreshing complement to this decadent dessert.
Cheese Platter – A small cheese platter featuring soft cheeses can create an interesting savory-sweet pairing with each slice.

These side dishes will enhance your enjoyment of Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake while catering to various tastes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can cause the cake to stick, making it difficult to invert. Always grease your pan thoroughly before adding ingredients.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Not checking doneness: Relying solely on baking time can result in undercooked or overcooked cake. Always use a toothpick to check for doneness.
Using expired ingredients: Old baking powder or cake mix can affect your cake’s rise and flavor. Always check expiry dates before starting.
Poorly measuring ingredients: Inaccurate measurements can alter the cake’s texture and taste. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat a slice for 20-30 seconds until warm; avoid overheating as it may dry out.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it loosely with foil to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

You can definitely use fresh cherries! Simply pit and slice them, then toss with a bit of sugar before layering them on top.

How do I store my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version available at many grocery stores.

What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like peaches or blueberries for a fun twist on this classic dessert.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Make sure you grease your pan well before adding butter and brown sugar. Using parchment paper on the bottom also helps!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only rich and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with different fruits or add nuts for extra crunch. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its sweet flavors that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card