Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake

Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 13-14 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a unique and delightful way. This cake is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

The combination of chocolate and cherries has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries, with the first recorded recipe for a chocolate cherry cake dating back to the 18th century. Over the years, this classic flavor combination has been adapted into various forms, including the upside-down cake.

Ingredients

1.5 cups cake flour
0.75 cups sugar
0.25 tbsp salt
1 tbsp baking soda
1.33 cups cocoa
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp cinnamon
0.33 cups oil
1 tbsp vanilla
0.75 cups water
1 cherry pie filling

How to prepare

Mix and sift all of the dry ingredients.
Slowly mix in the remaining ingredients.
Place 0.75 cup of cherry pie filling in the bottom of a microwave bundt cake dish.
Add the remaining cherry pie filling to the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the cake dish and bake in the microwave for 9 minutes on 50% heat.
Then, turn and bake for an additional 3 – 4 minutes on high. The top may appear moist, but that is okay.
Cover the cake while still in the dish with a towel for about 1 – 2 minutes, then turn it out onto a dish.

Variations

Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as apple or peach for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.

- Use a microwave-safe bundt cake dish for best results when baking in the microwave.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before turning it out onto a dish to prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cake in the microwave on low heat first helps to ensure even cooking and a moist texture.

- Turning the cake out onto a dish while still warm helps to release it from the bundt cake dish without sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour if needed.

- Canola oil or melted butter can be used in place of oil.

- Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decorative touch. Garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 18g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains wheat and soy. May contain traces of nuts.

Summary

This Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a good amount of fiber and protein. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded dessert option.

Summary

Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and sweet cherry filling, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice of this delicious cake warm with a scoop of ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

. The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a quaint little bakery in the countryside. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, and as soon as I laid eyes on the Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I struck up a conversation with the baker, an elderly woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was happy to share it with me.

As she walked me through the steps, I was captivated by her knowledge and skill. She explained how the key to a perfect upside-down cake was in the caramelized cherries that adorned the top. She showed me how to carefully arrange the cherries in a decorative pattern, ensuring that each slice would be as beautiful as it was delicious.

The batter itself was rich and decadent, with just the right amount of cocoa to give it a deep chocolate flavor. The combination of sweet cherries and bittersweet chocolate was a match made in heaven, and I knew that this cake would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

After hours of baking and waiting, the cake was finally ready. I carefully flipped it onto a serving platter, holding my breath as I lifted the pan to reveal the masterpiece beneath. The cherries glistened in the light, their juices mingling with the rich chocolate cake below.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of pure bliss. The cake was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. The cherries added a burst of flavor with every bite, and I savored each mouthful as if it were my last.

From that day on, the Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake became a staple in my own kitchen. I would bake it for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a treat for myself. Each time I made it, I would think back to that sunny day in the countryside, and the kind baker who had shared her recipe with me.

Years passed, and I continued to refine my technique, experimenting with different variations and tweaks to make the recipe my own. I added a splash of almond extract to the batter, giving it a subtle nutty flavor that complemented the cherries perfectly. I also tried using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, for a richer and more intense taste.

No matter how many times I made it, the Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake never failed to impress. Its timeless appeal and comforting flavors made it a favorite among my friends and family, who would always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

As I grew older, I began to pass the recipe down to the next generation, teaching my grandchildren the secrets of the perfect upside-down cake. I would stand by their side as they measured and mixed, guiding them through each step with the same patience and love that the kind baker had shown me all those years ago.

And now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my loved ones, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and contentment. The recipe for Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake has become more than just a dessert - it is a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing something special with those you love.

As I take a bite of the cake that my granddaughter has just made, I am reminded once again of that warm summer day in the countryside, and the sweet old baker who had sparked my passion for baking. And as I look around at the smiling faces of my family, I know that the legacy of the Chocolate Cherry Upside-down Cake will live on for generations to come.