WHISKEY-SPIKED CHERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the caramel and fruit: In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, stir together the sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons water to make a mixture like wet sand. Cook over medium-high heat until melted and light amber, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt if making a salted caramel. Arrange the cherries on top. Drizzle the whiskey over the fruit.
• For the batter: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in the cinnamon.
• Beat together the sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the buttermilk, stirring until just incorporated.
• Pour the batter over the fruit and spread evenly. Bake until golden brown all over and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes and then invert onto a platter. Cool to room temperature before serving.