The Dreamy Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen spark when a classic pineapple upside down cake enters the scene, promising comfort and nostalgia.

Caramelized rings of golden fruit peek through a tender, buttery landscape that whispers of homestyle baking.

Layers of rich flavor meld together in a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft crumbs promise delightful textures that dance between sweet and subtle.

Rustic yet elegant, this treat connects generations through its simple, timeless charm.

Each slice tells a story of love baked into every delectable bite.

Come explore a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience you won’t want to miss.

Flavor Swaps to Refresh This Pineapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative using almond or rice flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace water with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut over pineapple rings before adding batter. Add a touch of rum extract for extra flavor.
• Vegan Pineapple Delight: Use a vegan cake mix, replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and substitute oil with coconut oil. Top with dairy-free whipped cream made from coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Option: Choose a sugar-free cake mix, use sugar-free brown sugar substitute, and select fresh pineapple instead of canned for natural sweetness.

Pairing Suggestions to Go With Pineapple Cake

• Blend light rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream for a refreshing drink that echoes the cake's fruity essence.
• Scoop creamy, rich vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to balance its caramelized sweetness and provide a cool contrast.
• Whip heavy cream with coconut extract and a touch of powdered sugar to create a light, tropical topping that enhances the pineapple's flavor profile.
• Enjoy a smooth espresso-based drink with caramel drizzle that mirrors the cake's golden, caramelized notes and provides a delightful caffeine kick.

Storage Tips to Keep Cake Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store cake covered in plastic wrap or airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep at cool temperature to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Counter Storage: Leave cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Ensure room is not too warm to prevent spoilage.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring back original warmth.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for pineapple upside down cake?

You’ll need a boxed cake mix, eggs, water, oil, canned pineapple slices, butter, and brown sugar.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple can work, but canned pineapple slices are easier and provide a more consistent result in this recipe.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done.

• Why do I need to invert the cake after baking?

Inverting allows the caramel and pineapple layer to create a beautiful, glossy topping that’s traditionally served on top of the cake.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake That Impresses Everyone

• Rescue Family Dessert: Perfect for bringing everyone together with its nostalgic, crowd-pleasing flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Streamline Baking Process: Uses a convenient cake mix base, reducing prep time and simplifying steps for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Wow Guests with Minimal Effort: Creates a stunning presentation with caramelized pineapple topping that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary expertise.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, summer gatherings, or casual weekend desserts that instantly elevate any occasion.

Ingredients Needed to Bake Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a caramel-like coating.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, sticky caramel base for the pineapple.
• Pineapple Slices: Adds tropical fruity flavor and moisture to the cake.

• Cake Mix: Simplifies the baking process and ensures a consistent texture.
• Eggs: Binds the cake ingredients and adds structure.
• Water: Helps create the right cake batter consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake crumb.

• Maraschino Cherries: Provides a classic decorative touch and extra sweetness.

How to Prepare Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and create a luscious caramel base by melting butter and sprinkling brown sugar across the bottom.

Step 2: Create a Pineapple Landscape

Carefully place drained pineapple slices in a beautiful pattern over the sweet caramel mixture. Let each slice nestle perfectly into the sugary base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil

Blend everything together until just mixed – don’t overmix! Pour the silky batter gently over the pineapple slices, making sure to cover them completely.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 5: Reveal the Masterpiece

After baking, let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Then comes the exciting moment – carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter.

Watch as the caramelized pineapple creates a stunning golden-brown topping that will make everyone’s mouth water!

Tips to Nail Pineapple Upside Down Cake Every Time

• Drain pineapple slices thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy and compromising its texture.
• Select a high-quality yellow cake mix for richer flavor and more consistent results in your upside-down cake.
• Let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting to ensure the caramel topping stays intact and releases smoothly from the pan.
• Use maraschino cherries for extra color and traditional presentation, placing them strategically in the center of pineapple rings.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with minimal to no crumbs for perfect baking.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic pineapple upside down cake brings tropical sweetness to classic American desserts. Caramelized fruit crowns a moist golden cake, delighting taste buds with rich buttery flavors you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can sliced pineapples (in juice)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water (or milk)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and create a luscious caramel base by melting butter and sprinkling brown sugar across the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Carefully layer drained pineapple rings in a decorative circular pattern over the sweet caramel foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Whisk together cake mix, eggs, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are uniformly blended, avoiding over-mixing.
4. Gently pour the smooth batter over the arranged pineapple slices, making sure to distribute evenly and cover all fruit completely.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
6. Remove from oven and allow cake to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the caramel set and prevents sticking during inversion.
7. Position a serving platter over the pan and swiftly flip the cake, allowing the caramelized pineapple to create a stunning, glossy top layer.

Notes

• Select ripe, juicy pineapples for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the cake.
• For a gluten-free version, replace the cake mix with a homemade gluten-free cake batter using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture and tropical flair after inverting the cake.
• Consider using fresh maraschino cherries in the center of pineapple rings for a classic, colorful presentation that adds a pop of sweet-tart flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg