Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Indulge in the heavenly combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries with this delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake. This decadent dessert combines the sweetness of cherries with the deep flavor of a moist chocolate cake, creating a delightful upside-down treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using fresh cherries in the summertime or frozen ones for an off-season treat, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, ensuring that you can whip up this beauty in under an hour!

Ingredients

For the Cherry Layer

• 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the Chocolate Cake Batter

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup soured milk (see note below)
• ½ cup brewed black coffee
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Note: To make soured milk, add 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan (at least 2 inches deep) or an 8×8 square baking dish. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare the cherry layer: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of sugar with 1 tsp of cornstarch. Toss the pitted cherries in this mixture until they are evenly coated. If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw them for about 20 minutes beforehand.
3. Arrange the cherries evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure they are well distributed to create a beautiful cherry topping once the cake is flipped.
4. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp cocoa, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir briefly to blend the dry ingredients.
5. Add the 2 eggs, ½ cup soured milk, ½ cup brewed coffee, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the batter on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined.
6. Pour the chocolate cake batter slowly over the cherries, ensuring an even layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool and flip: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then carefully turn it out onto a heat-proof serving plate.
9. Serve and enjoy! Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. The juicy cherry layer on top makes this dessert incredibly moist and flavorful.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Serving Size

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per slice: 280 kcal

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The cherries become jammy and caramelized, while the chocolate cake remains soft and moist, thanks to the coffee and soured milk. Serve this cake as it is, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s sure to impress your friends and family!

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