Name: Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice (reserve juice); about 10 pineapple rings; 18 maraschino cherries (drained); 1 box (approx. 15 oz) yellow cake mix; eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box (use reserved pineapple juice in place of some water)

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning, you simply can’t go wrong with Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This timeless classic boasts caramelized pineapple rings, jewel-bright cherries, and the most tender yellow cake imaginable—all in one dreamy, showstopping treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply want to brighten up a Sunday afternoon, this iconic cake promises absolute joy in every bite. One slice and you’ll see why Pineapple Upside Down Cake remains a beloved favorite across generations.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a can of pineapples and cherries, this recipe is as straightforward as they come. Every ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature taste, moist crumb, and sunny presentation you expect from a classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Butter: Melts beautifully in the pan to form a rich, flavorful base for the caramelized topping.
Brown sugar: Packs the perfect amount of caramel sweetness under the fruit layer.
Pineapple slices in juice: Pineapples provide juicy, bright flavor and that iconic look—reserve the juice for extra-moist cake!
Maraschino cherries: Add a pop of color and nostalgic charm, nestling neatly in the rings and gaps.
Yellow cake mix: Keeps baking simple while delivering a soft, fluffy crumb every time.
Eggs, oil, and reserved pineapple juice (plus water as needed): Follow the cake mix directions, swapping in pineapple juice for some water to amplify the fruity flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Caramel Layer

Set your oven to preheat at 175°C (350°F). Place the butter in a 13×9-inch baking dish and pop it into the oven just long enough to melt—about 5 to 7 minutes. When the butter is fully melted, remove the pan and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, letting it start to dissolve into that irresistible caramelized base.

Step 2: Arrange Pineapple and Cherries

Pat the pineapple slices dry to avoid excess moisture. Arrange the rings on top of the buttery brown sugar, fitting in as many as possible without overlapping. Place a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring, and tuck extras into every little gap for a color burst in every slice.

Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Batter

Prepare your yellow cake mix according to package instructions, but here’s where the magic happens: Substitute some (or even all) of the water required with the reserved pineapple juice to infuse your cake with even more pineapple essence. Mix until smooth, then gently pour the batter over your arranged fruit, spreading it evenly but being careful not to disturb the fruity design beneath.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Place the pan in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, the top is golden, and hints of pineapple caramel peek up around the edges. The aroma alone is heavenly!

Step 5: The Signature Flip

As soon as your cake is out of the oven, run a knife carefully around the edges to loosen. Grab a serving platter that’s bigger than your baking dish, place it over the top, and (deep breath!) quickly invert them together. Let the pan rest upside down for 5 minutes, giving the topping time to settle luxuriously over the cake before carefully lifting it away.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your Pineapple Upside Down Cake to cool for about 30 minutes so the topping firms up and slices hold together. This brief wait is worth every minute—your cake will look glossy and inviting, and flavors meld beautifully while it rests.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Garnishes

For a polished finish, try brushing the warm cake with a little melted apricot jam to give the pineapple and cherries a shimmery glaze. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition, especially when you want to add even more creamy contrast to the warm caramel fruit layer.

Side Dishes

Pineapple Upside Down Cake loves a fresh, light pairing. Consider serving it after a meal of grilled chicken or tropical-inspired salads, or alongside fresh berries for a colorful dessert spread. Coffee and tea, particularly with citrusy notes, make wonderful companions without overpowering the cake’s gentle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the cake into individual squares for a party platter, or using cookie cutters to create mini cake rounds, each crowned with its own pineapple ring and cherry. For true retro flair, serve on vintage dessert plates and add mint sprigs or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake wrapped tightly or in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to three days. Since the topping is so luscious, store the cake with the fruit side up to maintain its appeal.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze slices, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. The cake freezes surprisingly well—up to two months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Bring your Pineapple Upside Down Cake gently back to life by warming slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. For a larger portion, tent with foil and heat in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 10 minutes, which freshens up both the crumb and topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?

Absolutely! Just slice your fresh pineapple thin and pat dry before arranging in the pan. Since fresh pineapple sometimes has less juice, you may need a bit of extra water to make up the liquid for the cake mix.

Do I have to use maraschino cherries?

Not at all—feel free to skip them or swap in other brightly colored fruits like fresh cherries, cranberries, or even blueberries if you want a twist on the classic look and flavor.

What if my cake sticks to the pan?

Running a knife around the edges while the cake is still hot and letting the cake sit inverted for several minutes helps, but if a bit of fruit sticks behind, just patch it back on top. It’ll still taste divine!

Can I make Pineapple Upside Down Cake ahead?

Yes! This cake is fantastic made a day ahead—the flavor even improves as it rests. Just cover and store at room temperature or in the fridge, then serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Certainly! Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and follow the rest of the steps as outlined. Just be sure all other ingredient labels are gluten-free as well for total peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this glorious Pineapple Upside Down Cake soon. It’s simple, sunny, and never fails to deliver on both looks and flavor—truly a dessert to celebrate and share!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a classic dessert with this Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe. Moist and flavorful, this cake features a layer of caramelized pineapple, cherries, and a tender yellow cake base. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Topping:

¼ cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar

Fruit Layer:

1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice (reserve juice)
about 10 pineapple rings
18 maraschino cherries (drained)

Cake:

1 box (approx. 15 oz) yellow cake mix
eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box (use reserved pineapple juice in place of some water)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Place butter in a 13×9-inch baking dish and melt in the oven for 5–7 minutes.
Prepare Topping: Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. Arrange pineapple slices and cherries on top.
Prepare Cake: Mix yellow cake batter according to package, using pineapple juice. Pour over fruit.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Invert onto a plate after cooling.