Enjoy the rich mix of tastes with our Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, a dessert sure to delight your taste buds. This delicious cake has a layer of sweet and tangy cherries under a moist chocolate sponge. As it cooks, the cherries blend with the chocolate, forming a sticky caramelized top that looks great and tastes even better.
This cake is perfect for any event, from family meals to holiday parties. It adds a new twist to traditional upside-down cakes with its strong chocolate flavor and bright cherry bursts. Each piece offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
The recipe is simple, making it great for bakers at any level. Serve this cake warm for the best experience, maybe with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the warm, fruity flavors. Whether it’s for a weekend snack or a special treat, this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is sure to make a lasting impression at your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pitted cherries, fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
Notes
- Fresh cherries can be substituted with frozen cherries; make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherries before adding the batter.
Helpful Tips
Substitutions and Variations
Exploring substitutions and variations can customize the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences. Here are some adaptable options:
Substitutions
- Cherries: While cherries are traditional, other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced apples can also work beautifully.
- Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Sugar: To reduce sugar, substitute part of the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk can easily substitute for regular milk to cater to dairy-free diets.
Variations
- Chocolate Intensity: For a deeper chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate notes.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cherries before adding the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom into the batter for a warm, spicy twist that complements the cherries.
- Extra Decadence: Drizzle melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache over the cooled cake for a richer dessert experience.
- Liqueur Flair: Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the batter for an adult version, enhancing the cherry flavor with a boozy kick.
These substitutions and variations allow you to tailor the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake to different tastes and dietary requirements, making it a versatile recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh? Yes, canned cherries can be used for convenience. Ensure they are well-drained to remove excess syrup or juice, which could affect the texture of the cake.
How should I store this cake? Store the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. For best taste, bring it to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Can this cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.
Why did my cherries sink to the bottom? In this recipe, the cherries are supposed to be at the bottom of the pan, which becomes the top when inverted. If using in a standard cake where sinking is an issue, coat the cherries lightly in flour to help them adhere to the batter and remain suspended.
Can I make this cake in a bundt pan? It is possible, but ensure your bundt pan is well-greased and consider adjusting the baking time as the thicker cake might require longer in the oven.
Is there a vegan option for this cake? Yes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Replace eggs with applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. Ensure all other ingredients like chocolate and sugars are vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
The Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or a formal dinner, here are some serving suggestions to enhance its presentation and flavor:
- Classic Pairings:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries, offering a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that pairs beautifully with the dense cake.
- Gourmet Touches:
- Cherry Sauce: Simmer additional cherries with a splash of kirsch or simple syrup to create a luscious cherry sauce that can be drizzled over the cake.
- Chocolate Ganache: Pour warm chocolate ganache over each slice for a decadent chocolate boost. This pairs especially well if you’re serving the cake at a special occasion.
- Beverage Pairings:
- Coffee: Serve with a robust cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake, enhancing both flavors.
- Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine, such as a Port or a sweet Riesling, complements the flavors of chocolate and cherry wonderfully.
- Seasonal Adaptations:
- Summer Serve: Accompany with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing, light addition that cuts through the richness of the cake.
- Winter Indulgence: Pair with a scoop of cinnamon or gingerbread ice cream for a warming, festive twist.
These suggestions allow you to adapt the serving of your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake to suit the occasion, the season, or simply your personal taste preferences, ensuring each slice is as enjoyable as it is impressive.
More Relevant Recipes
- Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake: Delve deeper into the delicious combination of chocolate and cherries with this detailed recipe. It offers step-by-step instructions and tips to perfect your upside-down cake, ensuring a decadent treat every time.
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe | Luscious & Easy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of our Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. This luscious dessert combines rich chocolate flavors with tart cherries, creating a sumptuous treat that’s perfect for any celebration. The cherries caramelise under a thick, chocolatey batter, ensuring every bite is irresistibly gooey and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pitted cherries, fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Arrange the cherries in a single layer at the bottom of the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
- Pour the batter over the cherries in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh cherries can be substituted with frozen cherries; make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherries before adding the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg