Upside Down Cherry Cornbread

Ingredients

• 1 box cornbread mix (prepared according to package directions (or 1 batch of your favorite recipe))
• 1 lb red cherries (pitted; fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen))
• 0.75 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup water
• oil (for greasing the pan)
• butter (for serving)
• honey (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix your cornbread batter according to the package directions or prepare your favorite go-to cornbread recipe.

3. 3

   Thoroughly grease an 8-9” round pan or cast iron skillet with oil and line the bottom with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Place the pitted cherries (ensure they are thawed if using frozen) in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.

5. 5

   In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar and water.

6. 6

   Turn the stove to medium heat. Cook the sugar mixture, swirling the pan constantly, until it reaches a medium amber color. Do not stir the mixture with a spoon, as the sugar will crystallize.

7. 7

   Carefully pour the bubbling, hot caramel over the cherries in the pan.

8. 8

   Top the cherries and caramel with the cornbread batter, smoothing it into an even layer.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the top springs back to the touch, and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

10. 10

    Remove the cake from the oven and immediately run an offset spatula or sharp knife around the sides of the pan to release the edges.

11. 11

    Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Run the spatula around the sides of the pan once more, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.

13. 13

    Serve warm, optionally topped with butter and honey.

Notes

Frozen cherries work very well for this recipe. Ensure they are pitted and thawed before placing them in the pan. Swirling the pan instead of stirring the sugar is critical to prevent crystallization while making the caramel.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• brunch
• baking
• cherry
• cornbread
• upside-down cake
• sweet and savory