Name: Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 cups (14 oz) fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon into measuring cup and scrape off the top); 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 2 large eggs, separated; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances comfort, nostalgia, and show-stopping appeal, look no further than the Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe. This delightful cake transforms simple pantry staples and vibrant cherries into a jewel-toned masterpiece, with a tender, buttery crumb crowned by a caramelized cherry topping that practically begs you to take just one more bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hoping to impress guests, this cake has an inviting charm that’s sure to make it a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe so memorable is the way every ingredient plays an important role: from the glossy, ruby cherries to the light and fluffy cake base. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect combination of flavor, texture, and color.

Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor for both the cherry topping and the plush cake base; use fresh, high-quality butter for best results.
Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pays off with every sticky-sweet bite of the cherry topping.
Fresh cherries (pitted and halved): The star of the show, their tartness and vivid color pair beautifully with the caramel base — be sure to pick ripe cherries for maximum juiciness.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cake for a tender, yet sturdy crumb; measure it properly to avoid a dense texture.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises high and light.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and tames the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the cherries.
Eggs (separated): Yolks add richness while beaten whites create that incredible, airy lift in the final cake.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together.
Whole milk (lukewarm): Helps produce a moist, tender crumb — lukewarm milk blends more smoothly for the best consistency.
Cream of tartar: Gives the egg whites extra stability so your cake is beautifully lofty and delicate.
9-inch wide cake pan (with 2-inch sides): Deep enough to hold all that luscious cherry topping and airy cake without overflowing.

How to Make Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Make the Caramel

Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Generously butter the sides of your 9-inch cake pan and place it directly over low heat on your stove. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in the pan, then add the brown sugar and stir until you have a glossy, fragrant caramel. Spread it out evenly to create a smooth sticky canvas — this is the secret to those golden, syrupy cherries on top.

Step 2: Arrange the Cherry Topping

Carefully lay the halved cherries, cut-side down, across the caramel layer you just made. Press them in gently so they stick and don’t float around when you add the batter later. Take your time with this part: a pretty, even layer of cherries means a gorgeous finished cake that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step ensures your cake will rise evenly and have a light texture throughout — no lumps allowed! It’s a quick but crucial step when making the Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe.

Step 4: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Add Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the sugar and softened butter for a full 5 minutes. This creates a fluffy, light base that’s essential for the cake’s tender crumb. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract for a boost of cozy flavor.

Step 5: Add Milk and Dry Ingredients

Lower your mixer to medium-low speed and add the lukewarm milk, letting it blend smoothly into the butter mixture. Gradually add your prepared flour mixture and mix just until everything’s incorporated. Don’t overmix — you want a soft, tender cake, not one that’s tough!

Step 6: Beat Egg Whites and Fold In

In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This is the magic behind the cake’s airy lift. Gently fold the whipped whites into your batter in two additions, making sure to keep all that lovely air in the mix. Your batter should look light and cloudlike.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour your airy batter over the cherries in your cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The wait is the hardest part, but it’s worth every minute!

Step 8: Cool and Invert

Once baked, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes — this helps the caramel set just enough. Run a knife gently around the edges to release any sticky bits, then invert the whole pan onto your serving platter. Let it rest another 5 minutes before lifting the pan; the result will be a stunning Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is dazzling as is, but for a special touch, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a handful of toasted almond slivers. A little sprinkle of powdered sugar can also make the cherries glisten beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a full dessert spread, consider pairing your Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe with a crisp fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. Both play up the fruity sweetness and offer a refreshing balance to the cake’s rich, buttery notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, slice the cake into wedges and serve each with a drizzle of cherry syrup or a drizzle of dark chocolate. For a more rustic approach, just set the cake out on a wooden board with a big spoon and let everyone help themselves. The vivid cherry topping will always steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramel cherry layer keeps the cake moist and flavorful, making it an even better treat the next day.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (once cooled) in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw slices at room temperature whenever you need an instant homemade dessert fix.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven. Just don’t overdo it, as you want the cake soft and the cherry topping gooey, not dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can substitute frozen (thawed and well-drained) or canned cherries. Just be sure to pat them dry so your topping doesn’t turn too watery.

What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?

A cherry pitter will make fast work of this, but if you don’t have one, a sturdy straw or chopstick can do the trick — simply push it through the center of the cherry to pop out the pit.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. The cake may be a tad more delicate, but with gentle handling, it will be just as delicious.

Do I need to refrigerate the Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe?

If your kitchen is especially warm, the cake can be refrigerated to preserve freshness, especially if it’s topped with cream. Bring it back to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for maximum flavor.

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

The generous layer of browned butter and sugar usually does the trick! Double check you’ve spread it evenly, and let the cake cool the recommended time before running a knife around the edge — that helps it release cleanly when you invert it.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe enough — it’s truly a little bit of magic for your kitchen, blending nostalgic warmth with a burst of cherry brightness. Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because, I hope you fall in love with every luscious layer. Happy baking!

Cherry Upside-Down Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and fruity delight of this Cherry Upside-Down Cake. With a caramelized cherry topping and a moist, vanilla-infused cake base, this dessert is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pan: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Butter a 9-inch cake pan and melt butter with brown sugar on the stove. Spread mixture in pan.
Add cherries: Arrange cherries, cut-side down, in the pan.
Combine dry ingredients: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Prepare the batter: Beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Mix in milk and flour mixture.
Whip egg whites: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 55 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool, then invert onto a platter before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cherries for a vibrant flavor.
Ensure the cake pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
This cake is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American