If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s equal parts decadent and nostalgic, the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is absolutely calling your name. Imagine tart-sweet cherries swimming in a glossy, buttery caramel under a pillow of moist chocolate cake—every forkful delivers a bit of fruit, fudgy crumb, and luxuriously sticky topping. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for when you want big flavor and a little drama without a ton of fuss. Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake will become your secret weapon for impressing at potlucks or reviving a sleepy weeknight.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake keeps it simple with just a handful of pantry staples, but every ingredient plays a special role in creating a dessert that feels gourmet. From the luscious cherry pie filling to the easiest boxed cake mix hack ever, these components build layers of flavor, texture, and that iconic deeply red-and-brown appearance.

Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): The star of the show, providing tartness and a glossy, ruby-red topping that tastes as good as it looks.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Creates a rich caramel base underneath the cherries and helps everything release cleanly from the pan.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a deep molasses sweetness and that luscious stickiness in every bite.
Chocolate cake mix (1 box): Takes all the guesswork out and guarantees a soft, moist cake every single time.
Large eggs (3): Bind the cake together and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Helps the cake stay super moist and rich, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Water (1 cup): Brings everything together and keeps the batter light.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds that unmistakable bakery aroma.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the bottom, then, with a gentle hand, sprinkle the brown sugar so it coats every corner. This is where the topping magic starts—these two ingredients will caramelize under heat and turn your cake into a sticky, irresistible delight.

Step 2: Layer the Cherries

Open the cherry pie filling and spoon it carefully over the buttery brown sugar layer. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure there are plenty of whole cherries near each edge. This layer not only adds a burst of color and tartness, but it also makes the grand reveal later on a total wow moment.

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and add in the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the batter is completely smooth, with no lumps hiding at the bottom. The cake mix shortcut means you’ll have a soft, flavorful cake every time, with almost no effort.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the chocolate batter slowly and evenly over the cherry layer, using a spatula to coax it to all four corners without disturbing the fruit below. This ensures each slice gets a perfect cross-section of fruit and cake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the unbelievable scent of chocolate and cherries—it’s nearly impossible to wait, but trust the process.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Once the cake is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps the caramel set while everything is still warm. Then, take a deep breath, place a large serving platter over the pan, and quickly but carefully invert the cake. Lift off the pan to reveal that stunning, jewel-toned topping. Serve it warm or let it cool to room temperature; either way, it’ll be a hit.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

A cake this eye-catching hardly needs help in the looks department, but a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, a cloud of whipped cream, or a few fresh cherries scattered on top can take your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake from wonderful to absolutely unforgettable. For the ultimate finish, drizzle with a little dark chocolate sauce.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake with something tangy or creamy makes each bite even more indulgent. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a simple dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of cherry sorbet for a sweet-tart twist. Coffee or espresso on the side will balance the richness for an elegant dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake can shine in so many ways. Serve it warm out of the pan for cozy gatherings, or cut into neat squares and layer in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a stunning trifle. For a pretty party platter, use a large round serving dish and garnish with edible flowers or chocolate shavings—Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake keeps beautifully. Simply cover the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The cherry topping keeps the cake moist, so you’ll still get that dreamy texture days after baking.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead or save some for later? Let your cake cool completely, then tightly wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat in a low oven until just heated through. The cherry topping gets glossy and luscious again, making it just as satisfying as when it was freshly baked.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh or frozen cherries, just simmer them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened to mimic the texture of pie filling. This way, you can control the sweetness and even mix in other berries for a twist.

What’s the best way to invert the cake without making a mess?

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then firmly place your serving platter over the pan and invert it quickly and smoothly. Wearing oven mitts and moving with confidence is key—don’t hesitate, and the whole topping should release beautifully!

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that the other ingredients are gluten-free. You’ll get the same gorgeous result with all the chocolate-cherry goodness.

Do I need to serve this cake warm?

Not at all! While Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is sensational warm (especially if you love melty chocolate chips or gooey fruit), it’s also delicious at room temperature. It’s a totally flexible dessert for any season or occasion.

Can I add other flavors to the cake batter?

Definitely! Consider folding in chocolate chips for extra richness or adding a hint of almond extract to complement the cherries. Zest of orange in the batter can also give the cake a bright, fragrant twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that always earns rave reviews (and plenty of recipe requests), make this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake your next baking adventure. It’s unfussy yet unforgettable—a treat you’ll want to serve again and again!

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. A luscious combination of chocolate cake, sweet cherry pie filling, and a buttery brown sugar topping, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

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

For the Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour melted butter into the pan, sprinkle brown sugar over it, and spread cherry pie filling evenly.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter over the cherry filling.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American