There’s something nostalgic and exciting about an upside-down cake—especially when it features the indulgent combo of chocolate and cherries. This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake flips the traditional concept (literally) by combining a rich, moist chocolate cake with a gooey, caramelized cherry topping. The result? A sweet, fruity, fudgy dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

This is the kind of recipe that feels like you spent hours crafting it, but in reality, it’s delightfully simple. Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or a surprise weekday treat, this cake will win over both chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike.

Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No fancy skills required – It starts with a boxed cake mix!
Sweet + tart cherry topping – Bakes into a luscious jammy layer.
Beautiful presentation – Just flip and wow your guests.
Moist and rich – The chocolate cake stays ultra-soft thanks to the fruit and brown sugar.
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves a chocolate-cherry combo.

Ingredients

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Cherry pie filling
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Boxed chocolate cake mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Water
Vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
Make the Cherry Topping
Pour melted butter into the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly on top.
Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Carefully pour the batter over the cherry layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake It
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Flip
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, place a large serving platter or cutting board over the top and carefully invert the cake.
Serve & Savor
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Great on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Variations

Black Forest Vibe: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the batter.
Double Cherry: Mix chopped maraschino cherries into the batter.
Fudgy Version: Use devil’s food cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual upside-down treats (adjust time to 18–22 minutes).

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Freeze: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cherry filling?

Yes! Substitute 2–2.5 cups of homemade cherry pie filling if preferred.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle.

Does the cake need to be inverted?

Not necessarily, but flipping gives that stunning “upside-down” effect.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes—try vanilla, white, or even red velvet for a twist.

What kind of cherries are in the pie filling?

Typically sour cherries, sweetened for balance. You can use any variety.

Can I bake this in a round cake pan?

Yes, just use a 9-inch round pan. Be sure it’s deep enough and adjust bake time.

Will it still work without brown sugar?

It will, but the brown sugar adds that signature caramelized top.

Can I add nuts?

Sure! Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the butter before the cherries.

Should I grease the pan even though there’s butter?

Yes—a light spray ensures a clean release when flipping.

What if it doesn’t flip cleanly?

Don’t worry! Just scoop and serve—it’ll still taste amazing.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake brings together bold chocolate flavor and the irresistible texture of jammy cherries in one beautiful, easy-to-make dessert. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this cake rises to it (and then flips). Serve it warm, with ice cream, or solo—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.