Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake – Deliciously Easy & Moist Midweek Treat!

There’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet, tart burst of cherries mingling with the rich depth of cocoa. This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake brings all the indulgence of a Black Forest cake, minus the fuss. It’s my go-to when Wednesday hits hard and my sweet tooth demands attention—but my energy level says, “Let’s keep this easy.” Perfect for busy parents, students with tight study schedules, or anyone craving a little joy in the middle of a workweek.

Think of this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake as the weeknight version of a chocolate cherry torte—simple, warm, rich, and absolutely satisfying. It’s not just delicious; it’s therapeutic. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or treating yourself to a midweek win, this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is your comfort dessert hero.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake slice with whipped cream and ganache on a plate with elegant table setting.

If you’re like me and always hunting for easy cherry chocolate cake ideas, you’ll love how fuss-free and flavorful this one is. And while you’re at it, explore other cherry creations like this luscious Cherry Delight dessert or a nostalgic maraschino cherry cake recipe.

Recipe Narrative & Commentary: A Cozy Classic Made Modern

What makes this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake special isn’t just its flavor—it’s how little effort it takes to pull off. With frozen pitted cherries and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a bakery-worthy Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake in under an hour. No frosting, no layers, no drama. Just a gorgeous, glossy cherry topping that flips beautifully thanks to the classic upside down cake technique.

The rich cocoa flavor in this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake truly shines when paired with brewed coffee, while vegetable oil keeps the crumb incredibly moist. As an egg-based chocolate cake, it delivers that deep, plush texture we all crave in a midweek treat. If you’re the type who scrolls Pinterest at midnight for weeknight baking inspiration, this Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake deserves a spot on your must-bake list. Find even more cherry dessert inspiration on our Cherry Recipes board.

And yes, frozen cherries work beautifully here. They’re juicy, budget-friendly, and create that luscious, syrupy base that caramelizes to perfection in every bite.

Time & Ingredients: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

Time Estimates:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Cherry Layer:

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

Chocolate Cake Batter:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup soured milk (add 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk)
  • ½ cup brewed black coffee
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Pan: 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square, lined with parchment paper

Close Up of Moist Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake with Cherry Glaze
Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake – Deliciously Easy & Moist Midweek Treat! 9

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep the Pan
    Line your baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Cherry Layer
    In a small bowl, toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Prepare the Batter
    In one bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    In another, whisk eggs, soured milk, coffee, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until fully blended but do not overmix.
  4. Assemble & Bake
    Pour the batter gently over the cherry layer. Smooth the top.
    Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Invert the Cake
    Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, place a plate on top, and flip quickly but carefully.
  6. Serve Warm or Chilled
    Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of ganache for an extra decadent finish.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

  • No fresh cherries? Use frozen pitted cherries—no need to thaw!
  • Chocolate Upgrade: Add chocolate chips to the batter for melty surprises.
  • DIY Sour Milk: Add 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let sit for 5 mins.
  • Ganache Drizzle: Warm ¼ cup whipping cream + ¼ cup chocolate chips, stir until smooth.
  • Make It Mini: Turn into cupcakes or a loaf—just adjust the bake time accordingly.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories300
Fat9g
Carbs53g
Sugar38g
Protein4g
Sodium239mg

It’s a treat, sure—but one made with real ingredients, no frosting required, and full of fruity-chocolate joy.

Let’s Get Baking – Your Turn!

We’d love to see your take on this chocolate cherry masterpiece! Do you prefer it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with a ganache drizzle?

Don’t forget to check out these easy cherry pie bars for another weekday winner or a quick cherry-pineapple dump cake option if you need something even simpler.

Follow us on Facebook for more quick and delicious dessert ideas
Explore our Pinterest boards for daily recipe inspiration

Happy Baking!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes! Frozen pitted cherries are perfect and convenient—no need to thaw.

What’s the best cocoa for this cake?

Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed, for a rich flavor.

How do I sour milk at home?

Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. It stores well and tastes even better the next day!

How do I flip the cake without it breaking?

Let it cool for 5 minutes, run a knife around the edge, then invert confidently onto a plate.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A slice of Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate ganache on a plate.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake – Deliciously Easy & Moist Midweek Treat!


  • Author: Kai
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A midweek chocolate cherry dream with a glossy cherry top and plush cocoa base—this cake is pure joy in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups frozen or fresh pitted cherries
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup soured milk (add 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk)
  • 1/2 cup brewed black coffee
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Spread them evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, soured milk, coffee, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until just blended.
  6. Pour the batter over the cherry layer and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes, run a knife around the edges, place a plate on top, and flip carefully.
  9. Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or ganache if desired.

Notes

Frozen cherries work beautifully—no need to thaw. Add chocolate chips to the batter for melty pockets of bliss or make it mini with cupcake tins. Try a ganache drizzle for extra indulgence.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 239mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Protein: 4g

Keywords: chocolate cherry upside down cake, easy cherry dessert, black forest cake quick

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating