ADVERTISEMENT
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is the pan you’ll use to make the upside-down cake.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Topping Start by preparing the cherry topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves into the butter, creating a smooth caramel-like mixture.
Once the sugar has melted, stir in the lemon juice (if using) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cherries to the pan, stirring gently to coat them in the caramel sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften and release some of their juices. Remove from heat and pour the cherry mixture into the bottom of your prepared cake pan. Spread the cherries out evenly to form a layer on the bottom.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand with a whisk. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Finally, carefully add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but this will help create a moist cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake Pour the prepared cake batter over the caramelized cherry topping in the cake pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly over the cherries, ensuring it covers them completely.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cake to remain moist.
Step 6: Flip the Cake Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. Place a large plate or serving dish on top of the cake pan and, using oven mitts, flip the cake over onto the plate. Gently lift off the cake pan, and peel away the parchment paper. The cherries will now be on top, beautifully caramelized and shiny.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Let the cake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it as is or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake:
- Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries will give you the best texture and flavor, but frozen cherries can work as well. If you use frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the topping.
- Don’t Skip the Boiling Water: Adding the boiling water to the batter may seem odd, but it helps create a soft and moist cake that complements the sticky cherry topping perfectly.
- Make It Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. It’s even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: If you want to make the cake extra special, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Conclusion: A Heavenly Chocolate Cherry Treat
This Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special celebration. The contrast between the gooey, caramelized cherry topping and the rich, moist chocolate cake is nothing short of heavenly. It’s a fun twist on the traditional upside-down cake, adding the perfect touch of chocolate to make it even more indulgent.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a cherry enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a delicious, homemade dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite. With its stunning presentation and irresistible flavor, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
