Description
This Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a delightful dessert featuring fresh pitted cherries caramelized with brown sugar and butter, topped with a tender and fluffy cake baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a spring or summer treat, this classic cake offers a beautiful presentation and a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Topping
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing well until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your cake pan and spread it out evenly. Arrange the pitted fresh cherries evenly over the sugar and butter mixture.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy. To this, add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter over the cherries in the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, place a serving plate over the cake pan and carefully invert the cake so the cherry-topping is on top. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to pit the cherries completely to avoid any unpleasant bites.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries if fresh are not available, but thaw and drain them well.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
- Use a non-stick or well-buttered pan to make inversion easier.
- The cake is best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry upside-down cake, cherry cake, fruit upside-down cake, easy cherry dessert, baked cherry dessert
