Tart Cherry Bliss Upside Down Cake
Indulge in the delightful contrast of sweet and tart with this Tart Cherry Bliss Upside Down Cake! This enchanting dessert transforms the classic cake experience with a luscious layer of unsweetened tart cherries that creates a striking visual and flavor dynamic. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the cherries sunk to the bottom, forming a pool of vibrant cherry goodness. It's not overwhelmingly sweet, which makes each bite perfectly balanced—a charming blend of sweet and tart flavors. Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch as it becomes the star of any gathering. It's a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also celebrates the beauty of cherry flavors all around. Perfect for both special occasions or casual family dinners, this cake is sure to impress everyone, especially those who love cherries!
8
Servings
312
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
white cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce box)
eggs
3 (or as called for by the cake mix directions)
oil
1/2 cup (or 1/2 cup butter as called for by the cake mix directions)
water
1 1/3 cups (or as called for by the cake mix directions)
unsweetened tart red cherries
2 (14 1/2 ounce cans, with juice)
sugar
1 cup
almond extract
3/4 teaspoon
red food coloring
1 teaspoon
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
whipped cream
to taste (optional topping)
vanilla ice cream
to taste (optional topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan; set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, which typically includes eggs, oil (or melted butter), and water. Mix until well combined.
4
In another bowl, combine the tart cherries, cherry juice, sugar, almond extract, red food coloring, and cornstarch. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved.
5
Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading evenly.
6
Gently pour or spoon the cherry mixture over the batter, making sure to distribute cherries evenly but avoid mixing them into the batter.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
56g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tart Cherry Bliss Upside Down Cake?
It is an enchanting dessert that transforms a classic white cake into a sweet and tart treat featuring a layer of unsweetened tart red cherries.
What kind of cake mix is required for this recipe?
You should use one 18 1/4 ounce box of white cake mix.
Can I substitute oil with butter in the cake batter?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of melted butter instead of oil as directed by many cake mix instructions.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs, or the amount specified by the white cake mix directions.
What type of cherries are used in this cake?
This recipe uses two 14 1/2 ounce cans of unsweetened tart red cherries.
Do I need to drain the juice from the canned cherries?
No, the cherry juice is kept and mixed with sugar and cornstarch to create the fruit layer.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this cake.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the Tart Cherry Bliss Upside Down Cake bake?
The cake typically bakes for 50 to 60 minutes.
How do I prepare the cherry mixture?
Combine tart cherries, their juice, sugar, almond extract, red food coloring, and cornstarch in a bowl and stir until dissolved.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the cherry juice, creating a luscious sauce layer.
Can I skip the almond extract?
While optional, almond extract provides a classic flavor pairing that enhances the taste of the cherries.
Is red food coloring necessary?
Red food coloring is optional and used mainly to give the cherry layer a more vibrant, striking visual appearance.
How do I assemble the cake before baking?
Pour the prepared white cake batter into the pan first, then gently spoon the cherry mixture over the top.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
It is best served warm, ideally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
One slice contains approximately 56 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this cake provide?
Each serving provides about 3.75 grams of protein.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour the baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
When should I invert the cake?
Allow the cake to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, but you would need to add additional liquid to substitute for the cherry juice mentioned in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, using a boxed cake mix makes this an easy baking project for anyone.
Is this cake very sweet?
Because it uses unsweetened tart cherries, the cake has a balanced sweet and tart profile rather than being overwhelmingly sweet.
How much sugar is added to the fruit layer?
One cup of sugar is mixed with the cherries and juice.
How much water is needed for the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of water, or as specified by your cake mix box.
What are the main flavor tags for this recipe?
Key tags include dessert, cherry cake, upside down cake, fruit dessert, and sweet tart.
What makes the cherries sink to the bottom?
The weight and moisture of the cherry mixture causes it to settle through the batter during the baking process, forming the base of the upside-down cake.