There’s something irresistibly comforting about an upside-down cake — that glossy fruit layer on top, the moist, buttery crumb beneath, and the drama of flipping it all over in one confident move. This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake takes that classic concept to decadent new heights. Imagine sweet-tart cherries nestled in a caramelized glaze, perched atop a rich, cocoa-laced cake that’s as moist as it is flavorful.
Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, the holidays, or just because chocolate and cherries are a match made in dessert heaven, this cake will win over any crowd.
Table of Contents
🕒 Prep & Bake Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings
Serves approximately 8 people
🛒 Ingredients
Cherry Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups pitted tart cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup hot water
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and brown sugar until bubbling. Pour into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange cherries over the caramel in a single layer.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Stir in hot water last — the batter will be thin.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Gently pour the batter over the cherries, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Flip and Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a serving plate. Let cool completely before slicing.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Juicy cherry topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven
- Moist, rich chocolate cake with depth from cocoa and sour cream
- Stunning presentation with minimal effort
- All-season dessert perfect for any occasion
- Easy to adapt — use different fruits or chocolate intensities
🔁 Variations & Tips
- Try dark cherries or sweet cherries for a milder taste
- Add espresso powder to the cake for enhanced chocolate flavor
- Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 GF flour blend
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
❄️ Storage & Serving
- Store at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds
❓ FAQ – Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but drain them well and avoid those packed in syrup unless you reduce the sugar.
Do I need to use sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are great substitutes.
Why hot water in the batter?
It helps bloom the cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor and gives the cake a moist crumb.
Will frozen cherries work?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the topping from sticking?
Grease the pan thoroughly and let the cake rest 10 minutes before inverting.
🥄 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 390 kcal
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 20 g
Protein: 5 g
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 180 mg
📚 More Cherry & Chocolate Desserts
Black Forest Cake – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Chocolate Cherry Brownies – Spicy Southern Kitchen
Cherry Clafoutis – The Daring Gourmet
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake – Handle the Heat
💬 Share the Love!
If you bake this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, let us know! Tag us on Instagram using #CherryChocolateDreams or leave a comment with your favorite twist.
Print
Top 5 Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake : Easy Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
There’s something irresistibly comforting about an upside-down cake — that glossy fruit layer on top, the moist, buttery crumb beneath, and the drama of flipping it all over in one confident move.
Ingredients
Cherry Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups pitted tart cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and brown sugar until bubbling. Pour into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange cherries over the caramel in a single layer.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Stir in hot water last — the batter will be thin.
Gently pour the batter over the cherries, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a serving plate. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Try dark cherries or sweet cherries for a milder taste
- Add espresso powder to the cake for enhanced chocolate flavor
- Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 GF flour blend
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 people
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5 g
Keywords: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
