Steeped in nostalgia and crowned with the lush sweetness of cherries, the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a graceful union of flavors that dances on the palate. Each slice reveals a deep, chocolatey canvas adorned with jewel-like cherries, inviting moments of indulgence that echo warmth and coziness. Baking this cake is not mere tradition; it is an exploration of heart and craft, an opportunity to create a symphony of tastes that lingers long after the last bite.
Why make this recipe
This delightful creation is an ode to the fleeting beauty of seasonal fruit and rich chocolate, transforming simple ingredients into an enchanting masterpiece. The tender crumb, kissed by the essence of coffee, offers not just sustenance, but a true celebration of life’s sweetest pleasures. Whether for a special occasion or an ordinary afternoon, this cake elevates the experience, making each moment luminous with flavor.
How to make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1/3 cup sugar (for the cherry layer)
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1 cup sugar (for the chocolate cake batter)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp cocoa
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup soured milk
- 1/2 cup brewed black coffee
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whipping cream (for ganache, optional)
- 2.3 cups chocolate chips (for ganache, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan that’s at least 2 inches deep, lining the bottom with parchment paper to ensure a gentle release.
- For the cherry layer, blend together the sugar and corn starch, then lovingly toss this mix with the pitted cherries. Spread the cherries evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a vibrant tapestry of red.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake batter ingredients, allowing them to mingle harmoniously. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, watching as the batter transforms into a silky, rich mixture.
- Pour the cake batter slowly and evenly over the jewel-toned cherries in the pan, enveloping them with chocolate goodness.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of baking chocolate and cherries, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
- Once baked, cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently turning it out onto a heatproof serving plate, revealing a stunning upside-down creation, a canvas of cherries nestled in luxurious chocolate.
- Serve warm or cold, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an optional ganache, heat whipping cream until just boiling, pour it over the chocolate chips, let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Drizzle this glossy ganache lovingly over the cake for an additional layer of decadence.
How to serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
This delectable cake is best savored warm, inviting the rich chocolate and tart cherries to waltz on your tongue. Pair it with a scoop of artisanal ice cream or freshly whipped cream to enhance the experience, letting the flavors linger and dance.
How to store Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Store any leftover cake within an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully. For longer preservation, refrigerate for up to a week, and gently warm in the oven to revive its original splendor when ready to enjoy.
Tips to make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
- Ensure that your cherries are pitted and either fresh or thoroughly thawed if using frozen, to maintain their vibrant texture.
- For an extra level of flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder, enhancing the bittersweet notes against the tart cherries.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting it to achieve a clean, beautiful presentation.
Variations
Explore variations by swapping cherries for other seasonal fruits like peaches or plums, allowing each season or craving to inspire your creation. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warming spice that complements the chocolate enveloping the cherries.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned cherries can be used, but ensure to drain them well and consider reducing added sugar, as they are often syrupy sweet.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges start pulling away from the pan slightly.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to three months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
In the gentle silence of the kitchen, where every ingredient and movement sings in harmony, the art of baking invites us to savor not just the end product, but the journey of creation itself. Herein lies the beauty of baking — a testament to patience, love, and the sweet rewards of craftsmanship.
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- For the cherry layer, blend together the sugar and corn starch, then toss with the pitted cherries. Spread the cherries evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake batter ingredients and beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
- Pour the cake batter slowly over the cherries in the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently turn it out onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm or cold, preferably with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For optional ganache, heat the whipping cream until boiling, pour it over the chocolate chips, let it sit for 5 minutes, and stir until smooth. Drizzle over the cake.