Fluffy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe: Sweet Nostalgia

Baking a mouthwatering pineapple upside-down cake can transport you to a tropical paradise of sweet memories.

Caramelized golden rings nestle perfectly against a tender, buttery backdrop.

Every slice promises a delightful balance between rich, warm cake and tangy fruit.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dessert with love and creativity.

Simple ingredients come together to create something magical and irresistible.

Layers of flavor will dance across your palate, making each bite an incredible experience.

Prepare to fall in love with this nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker.

FAQs

• Why use vinegar in the cake batter?

Vinegar helps activate the baking powder, creating a lighter, more tender cake texture by reacting with the other ingredients and adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Can I use canned pineapple rings instead of chunks?

Absolutely! Pineapple rings work perfectly and create a classic upside-down cake look. Just arrange them neatly in the pan before adding the brown sugar and batter.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid a completely clean toothpick, as this might indicate an overdried cake.

Perks of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Simplify Baking Magic: Transform complex cake-making into a straightforward, enjoyable process with minimal steps and basic kitchen tools.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or weekend treat that appeals to all age groups with its classic tropical flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a nostalgic dessert experience with caramelized pineapple topping and tender cake that creates instant smiles and memories around the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bakes beautifully in advance and tastes delicious whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making meal planning and dessert preparation stress-free.

What Goes into the Pineapple Cake

• Butter: The foundation for creating a rich, caramelized base.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create the signature caramel layer.
• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned fruit that adds tropical flavor and moisture to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and texture provider for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake tenderness.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil, Milk, Vinegar: Work together to create a moist and tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Whipped Cream, Maraschino Cherries: Provide additional decoration and complementary flavors.

How to Bake the Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Caramel Topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and let it melt completely.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the melted butter. Arrange pineapple chunks in a beautiful pattern over the sugar layer.

Step 2: Whip Up The Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

• Vegetable oil
• Whole milk
• White vinegar mixture
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract

Start mixing on low speed to combine, then beat on high for 3 minutes.

Scrape down the bowl sides to ensure everything mixes perfectly.

Step 3: Bake To Golden Perfection

Gently pour the cake batter over the pineapple topping.

Place the baking dish on a lined baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Flip And Reveal The Masterpiece

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen. Carefully place a large serving platter over the pan and quickly flip it upside down.

Wait 3 minutes before lifting the pan to allow the caramel to drizzle beautifully.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature.

Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with maraschino cherries for an extra touch of sweetness. This tropical treat is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests.

Helpful Notes for Pineapple Cake

• Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure smooth, even cake batter without lumps.
• Allow butter to melt completely before adding brown sugar for perfect caramelization and even coating.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleaner edges.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs mean the cake is perfectly baked.
• Add maraschino cherries between pineapple chunks for extra color and traditional upside-down cake look.

Fun Ways to Tweak This Cake

• Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich flavor and moist texture.
• Vegan Tropical Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free cake.
• Rum-Infused Pineapple Cake: Add a splash of dark rum to the batter or drizzle rum over the pineapple layer for an adult-friendly version with deeper, more complex flavors.

Tasty Pairings with This Cake

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix light rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream for a vibrant drink that echoes the cake's fruity essence.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy, rich vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to balance the caramelized sugar and provide a cool contrast.
• Match with Caribbean-Style Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel and nutmeg to enhance the cake's deep, sweet flavors.
• Serve with Toasted Coconut Garnish: Sprinkle lightly toasted coconut flakes over the cake to add texture and amplify the tropical pineapple notes.

How to Store Pineapple Cake Leftovers

Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to avoid overheating, which can make the cake tough and dry.

Warm slices at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture and prevent burning. Serve immediately after heating.

The Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise meets classic dessert in this irresistible Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that promises golden caramelized fruit and moist, buttery cake. Sweet memories of family gatherings and sunshine dance on your plate, inviting you to savor each delightful, nostalgic bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pineapple Topping:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 1/3 cups (266 grams) brown sugar
• 3 1/2 cups (525 grams) fresh pineapple chunks

Dry Cake Ingredients:

• 2 2/3 cups (333 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Cake Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the caramel foundation by melting butter directly in a 9×13 glass baking dish within the preheated oven, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Generously distribute brown sugar over the melted butter, creating an even layer of sweetness.
3. Artfully arrange pineapple chunks across the sugary surface, forming a decorative base for the cake.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
5. Incorporate wet ingredients: vegetable oil, milk, vinegar mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture.
6. Blend ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, then intensify to high speed for 3 minutes, periodically scraping bowl sides to ensure smooth consistency.
7. Gently pour cake batter over the prepared pineapple layer, maintaining an even distribution.
8. Place the baking pan on a protective jelly roll pan or aluminum foil-lined rack to catch potential drips.
9. Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted reveals minimal moist crumbs.
10. After baking, carefully loosen cake edges using a butter knife to prevent sticking.
11. Swiftly invert the cake onto a clean jelly roll pan or large platter, allowing caramelized sugar to cascade over the surface.
12. Allow cake to rest for 3 minutes before completely removing the baking pan.
13. Serve at preferred temperature – warm, room temperature, or chilled – accompanied by whipped cream and maraschino cherries for a delightful presentation.

Notes

• Swap ingredients for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk alternatives for those with specific restrictions.
• Ensure even caramelization by spreading brown sugar and butter carefully across the pan’s bottom to create a perfect golden-brown base.
• Prevent cake from sticking by greasing the pan thoroughly and using parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner presentation.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance, checking doneness with a toothpick and rotating the pan midway for consistent baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 379 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 255 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg