Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Upside-Down Cake is as visually impressive as it is delicious. The vibrant red cherries create a naturally sweet topping that pairs beautifully with the soft, moist cake underneath. It’s easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, and the flip at the end reveals a gorgeous, glossy finish. Great for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a comforting homemade dessert any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan or directly in your cake pan over low heat until smooth.
3. Pour the brown sugar mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or similar-sized baking dish.
4. Arrange pitted cherries evenly over the caramel base.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
8. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
9. Carefully spoon the batter over the cherries and spread evenly.
10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
12. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with a baking time of 40–45 minutes. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

• Almond Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a lovely cherry-almond combo.
• Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake batter instead of vanilla for a black forest-style version.
• Mini Upside-Down Cakes: Make in muffin tins for individual servings.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. The cake is best enjoyed slightly warm.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries?

Yes, but be sure to drain them well. Avoid using cherry pie filling for this recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered. Reheat slightly before serving for best taste.

Do I need to pit fresh cherries?

Yes, all cherries should be pitted before adding them to the pan to avoid hard bits in the cake.

Can I use a different fruit?

Absolutely. This recipe works well with peaches, plums, or berries too.

How do I prevent the topping from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to properly grease the pan and allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before inverting.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best pan to use?

A 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet works well. Avoid springform pans, as the syrup can leak.

Why did my cake fall apart when I flipped it?

It may have been too hot or too cool. Wait about 10 minutes after baking before flipping to help it set properly.

Can I reduce the sugar in the topping?

You can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but keep enough to create a proper caramel layer.

Should the cherries be in a single layer?

Yes, spread them in an even, single layer for the most attractive and evenly flavored topping.

Conclusion

Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a sweet, nostalgic dessert with a beautiful presentation and a rich cherry topping that’s hard to beat. Whether served warm with whipped cream or enjoyed plain, it delivers classic flavor with a fresh twist. It’s an easy, satisfying cake that makes a lasting impression—perfect for any occasion.

Cherry Upside-Down Cake

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Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a moist vanilla cake topped with sweet, caramelized cherries. When flipped after baking, the vibrant cherry layer becomes a stunning and flavorful presentation, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt 1/4 cup butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan or directly in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat until smooth.
3. Pour the brown sugar mixture into a greased cake pan and spread evenly.
4. Arrange the pitted cherries evenly over the caramel base in a single layer.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
8. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
9. Spoon the batter over the cherries and spread evenly.
10. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
12. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before flipping to prevent sticking or crumbling.
• Use well-drained canned cherries if fresh or frozen aren’t available.
• A cast iron skillet can be used for deeper caramel flavor and rustic presentation.
• Add almond extract or spices like cinnamon for flavor variation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg