Pineapple upside down cake brings pure sunshine to the table, with caramelized pineapple rings and bright cherry jewels baked into a buttery, vanilla scented crumb. Brown sugar and soft butter melt into a glossy topping, while a splash of fresh orange juice adds a cheerful citrus lift that keeps every bite moist and vibrant. Each slice feels nostalgic and warm, like a treat from a sunlit family kitchen. Easy, playful, and comforting, this classic dessert is a sweet hug on a plate whether you’re sharing or savoring it solo.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This pineapple upside down cake
- It’s a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet memories.
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Beautifully caramelized pineapple topping that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Great for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
pineapple upside down cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
- Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer on top of the sugar. Place maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently spread the batter over the pineapple slices in the pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Ingredients
Gather these tasty ingredients to make a delightful pineapple upside down cake!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices – drained
- Maraschino cherries – as desired for decoration
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – leavening agent
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance flavor
- 1/2 cup milk – for moisture
- 2 large eggs – for binding
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – to keep cake moist
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This delightful pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, you’ll have a moist and flavorful cake ready to serve in no time. Allow for an extra 5 minutes of cooling before inverting it onto your serving plate.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Melt butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
Step 3: Arrange Pineapple
Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer on top of the sugar. Place maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until combined.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 7: Spread the Batter
Gently spread the batter over the pineapple slices in the pan.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto a serving plate.
Step 10: Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm or at room temperature |
Pro Tips for Making pineapple upside down cake
- Choose fresh, ripe pineapples for the best flavor.
- Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.
- Let the cake cool slightly before flipping for easier removal.
- Experiment with adding maraschino cherries for a pop of color.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
How to Serve this pineapple upside down cake
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture.
- Pair with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing touch.
- Drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect afternoon treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap.
- Then wrap it in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Do you flip a pineapple upside down cake when it’s hot or cold?
It’s best to flip a pineapple upside down cake when it’s warm, just a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the caramelized topping to release easily from the pan without sticking. If you wait too long and let it cool completely, the cake may adhere to the pan, making it difficult to remove intact.
2. What kind of cake do you use for pineapple upside down cake?
A classic pineapple upside down cake is typically made with a light and fluffy yellow cake batter. You can use a box mix or make it from scratch using flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The key is to ensure the cake is moist and complements the sweet, caramelized pineapple topping perfectly.
3. What type of pan is best for pineapple upside down cake?
A round cake pan is ideal for making a pineapple upside down cake, preferably one with a non-stick surface. A cast-iron skillet can also work beautifully, as it helps achieve a nice caramelization on the pineapple. Just make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking when you flip it over.
4. Why is baking a pineapple upside down cake the most difficult cake to make?
Baking a pineapple upside down cake can be tricky because it requires precise timing and temperature control. The challenge lies in ensuring the pineapple and brown sugar topping caramelizes perfectly without burning, while the cake itself remains moist and fluffy. Additionally, flipping the cake at the right moment is crucial to avoid a messy outcome. With practice, though, it becomes easier to master this delightful dessert!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a warm, golden pineapple upside-down cake from the oven! This classic dessert is not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that brings back sweet memories. So gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity, and enjoy every delicious bite of this moist, fruity delight. Happy baking!