Follow these steps to create your mouthwatering Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a cast-iron skillet.
2. Prepare Cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. If using frozen, allow them to thaw and drain excess moisture.
3. Arrange Cherries: Place the cherries evenly in the bottom of the greased pan.
4. Make Caramel: Sprinkle ½ cup of granulated sugar over the cherries for a caramelized topping.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
7. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
8. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged cherries, making sure it covers them evenly.
9. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
11. Invert Cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter while it’s still warm, allowing the cherries to fall beautifully on top.
12. Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving or serve warm.