Get ready to wow your friends and family with this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious. Imagine velvety chocolate cake layered over a glossy, ruby-red cherry topping—the ultimate fusion of rich cocoa and bright, tangy fruit. This recipe brings together pantry staples (and a box mix shortcut!) in a way that feels both retro and fresh, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake will quickly become the highlight of your dessert repertoire!

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake truly magical is its minimal yet mighty ingredient list. Each component brings something essential—whether it’s sweetness, moisture, texture, or a gorgeous pop of color. Let’s break down how every piece fits into the delicious whole:

Cherry Pie Filling: The star of our upside down top, this brings bursts of bright fruit and glossy visual flair.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and ensures the topping caramelizes perfectly against the pan.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel flavors under the cherries and helps create that sticky, luscious finish.
Chocolate Cake Mix: Your secret shortcut to a guaranteed moist, tender crumb and lots of chocolatey goodness.
Large Eggs: Bind the batter together and contribute extra richness for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture that keeps the cake soft for days, never dry or crumbly.
Water: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly and gives the cake lightness and lift.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the cherry and chocolate, tying the whole flavor profile together.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan so nothing sticks. Next, pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of the pan, sprinkle the brown sugar over it, and then spoon over the cherry pie filling. The sweet, buttery base pairs so beautifully with those luscious cherries—this will be your cake’s jaw-dropping top when it’s turned out!

Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, add your chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and a generous splash of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until your batter is silky-smooth and shiny—no lumps allowed! The goal is an airy yet rich base that’s ready to bake up beautifully over all that cherry topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour your chocolate cake batter over the cherry layer in the prepared pan, using a spatula to make sure it’s spread evenly from corner to corner. Don’t worry if the cherries poke through a little! The layers will magically swap places in the oven, creating that signature upside down effect.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your assembled cake into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake feels springy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it rest for about 10 minutes in the pan, which makes for a smoother, clean release.

Step 5: Invert and Serve

This is the show-stopping moment! Place a large platter or tray over your baking pan, then carefully flip the whole thing over. Lift off the pan to reveal a glistening, jewel-toned cherry topping atop a cloud of chocolate cake. Serve it warm for molten chocolate-y delight, or let it cool to room temp for easier slicing.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake with a flurry of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings. The cool and creamy contrast is pure heaven against the warm cherries and decadent cake—guests will think you’ve gone gourmet!

Side Dishes

While this cake can absolutely steal the spotlight solo, consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or a fresh cup of coffee. The slight bitterness of black coffee or herbal tea balances out the cake’s richness and enhances that deep chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not go the extra mile for celebrations? Try baking the recipe as mini upside down cakes using individual ramekins, or cut the cooled cake into bite-sized cubes and serve as part of a dessert board. For holidays, pipe whipped cream rosettes or scatter extra cherries over the top for a festive flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Wrap your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for one to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing its moistness.

Freezing

If you need to store it even longer, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic and foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag—this method keeps each portion fresh for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To rewarm, pop a slice into the microwave for 20–30 seconds. You can also use a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to gently warm larger portions, which really revives the gooey cherry topping and soft chocolate crumb.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling?

Absolutely! Just cook fresh or frozen cherries with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then use as you would pie filling. This gives the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake a slightly less sweet, tarter edge—delicious and a bit more homemade.

What’s the best way to ensure the cake inverts cleanly?

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then run a knife around the edges to loosen it before inverting. Make sure your serving platter is wider than your pan to catch any runaway cherries or juices!

Can I substitute a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While chocolate is classic in this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, devil’s food, fudge, or even a red velvet mix all pair beautifully with cherries. Just follow the mix’s box directions for eggs, oil, and water if you swap flavors.

What size pan works best?

A standard 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but you can also use two 8-inch round pans for a layered look. Just adjust the baking time down by about 5–10 minutes and keep an eye towards the end.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake a day ahead. Let it cool completely after baking, then cover and store at room temperature. If possible, invert it just before serving to keep the topping as glossy and fresh as possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a recipe that’s dramatic, decadent, and downright easy, look no further than Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. Bursting with rich chocolate flavor and luscious cherry topping, it’s a guaranteed hit whether you bake it for a casual weeknight treat or a special celebration. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!