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Decadent Chocolate Cherry Upside-Down Cake – Easy Rich Dessert with Caramelized Cherries

A moist chocolate cake topped with sweet-tart caramelized cherries. Easy, stunning, delicious—perfect for holidays, gatherings, and everyday desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Topping

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) pitted tart cherries, drained
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Cake Batter

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup boiling water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cherry Layer
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
    Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
    Add sugar and cook until it begins to bubble and dissolve, about 2–3 minutes.
    Stir in cherries and cook another 2–3 minutes until coated and slightly thickened.
    Remove from heat, add vanilla, and pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly.
  • Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
    In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
    Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
    Add boiling water and stir gently until the batter becomes smooth and pourable.
  • Assemble & Bake
    Pour the chocolate batter over the cherries in the cake pan.
    Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
    Place a plate or rack over the cake and carefully invert to release it.
    Peel off parchment and let cool before slicing.