Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

This cake is both easy to make and impressive to serve. It uses everyday pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or decorating skills. The caramel glaze is naturally formed by brown sugar and butter during baking, giving the cake a moist, rich flavor. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, fruity, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a homemade treat, this cake delivers both comfort and elegance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned pineapple rings

• Maraschino cherries

• Brown sugar

• Unsalted butter

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Whole milk

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt the butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bottom.

3. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the sugar mixture, placing a cherry in the center of each ring.

4. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. In another bowl, cream together granulated sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the egg mixture, stirring until combined.

7. Pour the batter over the pineapple and cherries in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8–10 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling and inverting time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the vanilla cake batter for a warm, cozy flavor.

• Boozy Twist: Soak the pineapple rings in rum or spiced liqueur before assembling the cake for an adult-friendly version.

• Fresh Pineapple: Swap canned pineapple for fresh slices if you prefer a more vibrant fruit flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

• Mini Cakes: Make individual upside-down cakes using a muffin tin for a personal-sized dessert option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to generously grease the cake pan with butter or cooking spray before adding the caramel and fruit. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple slices work well. Just be sure they are cut to a similar thickness as canned rings.

Do I have to use maraschino cherries?

No, the cherries are optional. You can skip them or replace them with another fruit like cranberries or raspberries.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving if desired.

What can I use instead of a 9-inch round pan?

An 8×8-inch square pan works as well. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Why did my cake come out soggy?

Too much pineapple juice can lead to sogginess. Drain the pineapple rings well before placing them in the pan.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk to create a dairy-free version.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time as needed and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to around 20–25 minutes. Be sure to grease the tin well.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With its sweet, buttery topping and soft vanilla cake base, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, potluck, or simply because you’re craving something homemade and delicious, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.