Why You’ll Love Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Easy to make using a boxed cake mix for convenience.
- Beautiful presentation with caramelized pineapple rings and cherries.
- Moist, tender cake with a rich buttery topping.
- Perfect balance of sweet fruit and fluffy cake.
- Great for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.
- Ready in under an hour.
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (15.25 oz) package white cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 9 maraschino cherries
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the pineapple rings into a measuring cup, adding enough water if needed to make 1 cup of liquid. Reserve nine pineapple rings for decorating the cake.
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter to create the caramel layer.
- Arrange eight pineapple rings around the outside of the skillet and place one pineapple ring in the center. Put a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, reserved pineapple juice, vegetable oil, and egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherry arrangement, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the skillet for 10 minutes. Run a spatula around the edges, then place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the cake. Spoon any remaining caramel glaze from the skillet over the top before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar layer for extra crunch.
- Replace the white cake mix with yellow cake mix for a richer flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Swap maraschino cherries for fresh cherries when they’re in season.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or coconut extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon into the brown sugar for a warm, spiced version.
- Make individual cakes in muffin tins for fun single-serving desserts.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it chilled.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15 to 25 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes. Slice fresh pineapple into rings and use pineapple juice or water in the batter if needed.
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
No. A 9×13-inch baking dish or another oven-safe skillet can also be used.
Why should I cool the cake before flipping it?
Cooling for about 10 minutes allows the caramel topping to set slightly while still releasing easily from the pan.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. It can be baked a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Yes, but the cake may have a slightly different color and texture compared to using only egg whites.
How do I keep the cake from sticking?
Be sure the butter and brown sugar are evenly distributed, and loosen the edges with a spatula before inverting.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Pecans and walnuts pair especially well with the caramelized pineapple topping.
Is this cake best served warm or cold?
It tastes wonderful both ways, though many people prefer it slightly warm for the soft caramel topping.
Can I freeze Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What should I serve with this cake?
It’s delicious on its own or served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped topping.
Conclusion
Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its buttery caramel topping, juicy pineapple, bright cherries, and tender vanilla cake, it’s both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a casual family dessert, this recipe delivers beautiful results and comforting flavors every time.
