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Flavorful Cherry Amaretto Upside-Down Cake

cherry amaretto upside-down cake - featured image
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A warm, comforting cherry amaretto upside-down cake made in a skillet with rich brown butter and a glossy cherry topping. Perfect for quick, impressive desserts with a nutty, caramel-like depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for browning and richness)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (to brown for cake batter)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp amaretto liqueur (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry Topping: In your skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Once it starts to foam and brown slightly, add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved and bubbling gently, about 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in the drained cherries and 2 tbsp amaretto, simmer for 2-3 minutes until cherries are glossy and coated. Remove from heat and spread evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
  3. Bake the Brown Butter Cake: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and eggs until pale and slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the browned butter into the egg mixture slowly, whisking continuously to combine.
  6. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Stir gently until just combined.
  8. Fold in vanilla extract and 1 tbsp amaretto (optional).
  9. Pour the batter over the cherry topping in the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  10. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the cake cool in the skillet for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, then flip the skillet onto a serving plate so the cherries are on top.

Notes

Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; swirl constantly and remove from heat once brown specks appear. Drain cherries well to prevent soggy cake. Let cake cool 10 minutes before flipping to avoid topping sliding off. Use a well-seasoned skillet or butter the pan well to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry upside-down cake, amaretto cake, brown butter dessert, skillet cake, easy cherry dessert, homemade cake, quick dessert

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/flavorful-cherry-amaretto-upside-down-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-brown-butter-skillet-dessert/