Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic upside down cake, combining rich chocolate cake with sweet, juicy cherry topping. This easy-to-make dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors that will impress your family and guests.

A round chocolate cake with a rough, dark brown crust sits on a white plate with a black rim. The top layer is covered with smooth, shiny dark chocolate glaze that drips slightly down the sides. Bright red cherries with a glossy finish are evenly spread on the glossy chocolate surface. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Step 2: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Pour the chocolate batter gently over the cherry layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the cherry topping is on top.
Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter instead of vanilla.
Try substituting cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like pineapple or mixed berries.
To prevent sticking, lightly grease the cake pan before adding butter and sugar.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving to regain softness.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a round chocolate cake on a white plate with a dark rim, resting on a white marbled surface. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a rich, dark brown chocolate base with a rough texture, while the top layer is a glossy chocolate glaze that looks smooth and shiny. Scattered evenly across the top are bright red cherries, some whole and some slightly submerged in the glaze, adding a pop of color and a shiny, juicy look. The edges of the cake are slightly crumbly with a moist center visible in a cut section. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry topping instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, homemade cherry topping works well. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when layered.

What type of chocolate cake mix is best?

Any standard chocolate cake mix works fine, but a rich cocoa-based mix will give the best chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic upside-down cake, combining rich chocolate cake with a luscious cherry topping. The cake features a moist chocolate base made from a boxed cake mix enhanced with vanilla, eggs, and oil, topped with sweet cherry pie filling and a buttery brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert offers a delicious balance of fruity sweetness and deep chocolate flavor with a stunning presentation.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Topping

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar

Chocolate Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the brown sugar until evenly mixed. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan.
Add Cherry Filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the butter and brown sugar layer in the cake pan, ensuring a uniform layer for the upside-down topping.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Pour Batter Over Topping: Carefully pour the prepared chocolate cake batter over the cherry topping in the pan, spreading gently to cover the cherries without mixing.
Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a serving platter so the cherry layer is on top.
Serve: Slice and serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure the cake batter completely covers the cherry topping to avoid sticking.
Use a non-stick or well-greased cake pan to facilitate easy inversion.
Allow the cake to rest a few minutes after baking to help the topping set.
Variations can include using fresh cherries or other pie fillings for different flavors.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Keywords: chocolate cherry upside down cake, cherry upside down cake, chocolate cake with cherry topping, easy berry upside down cake, dessert cake recipe