Looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweet tang of juicy cherries? This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is everything you want in a show-stopping dessert—decadent, moist, and full of vibrant fruit.
Made with a layer of buttery caramelized cherries underneath a soft, cocoa-infused cake, this upside-down delight flips into a glossy, jewel-toned beauty. It’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you crave the classic combo of chocolate and cherries, this cake is sure to impress.
🍫 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist and tender chocolate cake base
- Gorgeous cherry topping with a glossy finish
- No frosting needed – all the wow factor comes from the flip
- Easy ingredients – pantry staples and canned or fresh cherries
- Perfect for entertaining, holidays, or potlucks
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
👩🍳 How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Make the Cherry Layer
Melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in the brown sugar. Pour this into the bottom of the pan. Arrange cherries evenly over the sugar mixture.
3. Make the Cake Batter
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream and milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour cake batter over the cherry layer. Spread evenly. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool and Flip
Let cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Let sit for a few more minutes before lifting the pan.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan for easy release
- Don’t overbake – check at 35 minutes to keep it moist
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Try different cherries – dark sweet, sour, or even cherry pie filling
🎂 When to Serve
- Holiday dessert tables
- Dinner party finales
- Valentine’s Day treats
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Weeknight indulgences
💬 Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is as easy as it is elegant. The rich cocoa base balances perfectly with the sweet-tart cherries, and the buttery brown sugar glaze adds that extra indulgent touch. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed solo with coffee, it’s a must-bake for chocolate and fruit lovers alike.