If you’re craving a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s a classic, retro treat loaded with caramelized brown sugar, juicy pineapple slices, and bright cherries, all baked into a moist, tender cake that flips the ordinary on its head. Every bite bursts with sweet, tangy, and buttery notes that will have you coming back for seconds—and honestly, who can resist a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes? Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe brings warmth and joy straight from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple classics, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and texture that defines this cake. From the rich brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully to the tart pineapple that adds a fresh zing, every component is essential.
- Butter: Melted for the topping and softened for the batter, it adds richness and helps create that luscious caramel layer.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar caramelizes nicely, making the base delightfully sticky and sweet.
- Pineapple slices: These juicy slices add a tropical tang and stunning visual appeal when flipped.
- Maraschino cherries: Placed in the center of pineapple rings, they provide pops of color and extra sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake structure, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly without overpowering the fruits.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness, plus a bit of the reserved pineapple juice for extra tropical flavor.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, melt a quarter cup of butter in the microwave. Pour this melted butter into a 9-inch square pan, then evenly sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the top. Next, artfully arrange nine pineapple slices over the brown sugar in a single layer. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring to create that iconic look. This initial caramel layer is the heart of the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe and will create that irresistible sticky glaze once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining softened butter with granulated sugar, and beat on low speed for about 40 seconds. Then, increase to high speed and continue beating for 3 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk mixed with reserved pineapple juice into the wet mixture, alternating between them until everything is well incorporated. Pour this luscious batter over the pineapple and sugar layer in your pan, covering it completely.
Step 3: Bake and Flip
Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling it’s perfectly cooked. This step might test your patience because the aroma alone is mouthwatering! Once done, immediately top the pan with a plate or serving dish and swiftly invert the cake so the caramelized pineapple and cherry topping comes to the top. Let it rest for a few minutes—this resting allows the sticky topping to drip over the sides and settle beautifully, making your cake look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is divine served warm, right out of the oven. For an extra indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the warm cake and cold cream is simply heavenly. Cover any leftovers and store at room temperature or refrigerate to keep the flavor fresh for whenever the craving strikes again.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this already stunning cake. Fresh mint leaves add a bright, herbal twist that complements the sweet pineapple. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finishing touch without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments that won’t compete with its sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a chilled coconut panna cotta provides a refreshing balance. For celebratory occasions, a glass of sparkling wine or sweet dessert wine complements the tropical undertones beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Consider cutting the cake into mini squares and serving them on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a smear of whipped cream. You can also place the cake on a decorative platter and garnish with extra sliced pineapple and cherries for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, wrapping it tightly and refrigerating is a smart choice—it keeps the cake moist and the topping intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for up to two months. To do so, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving for best results.
Reheating
To bring your cake back to life, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and luscious topping, making it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple gives a more vibrant flavor, but be sure to slice it thinly and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect how the caramel topping sets.
What if I don’t have a square pan? Can I use a round one?
Yes! A 9-inch round cake pan works perfectly too. Just arrange the pineapple slices and cherries neatly, and adjust baking time by a few minutes as needed until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with some tweaks. Use vegan butter, substitute the egg with a flax egg, and swap milk with a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe.
Why does the cake need to be flipped immediately after baking?
Flipping the cake while it’s hot allows the caramelized brown sugar and pineapple topping to cascade over the cake perfectly. If you wait too long, the caramel sets in the pan and the luscious topping won’t spread beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe—it’s nostalgic, inviting, and surprisingly easy to make. It transforms everyday ingredients into a showstopper dessert that tastes like pure sunshine. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this cake’s sweet caramel-topped pineapple never fails to bring smiles and create warm memories. Give it a try and watch it become a treasured favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake features caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries atop a moist, buttery cake. The brown sugar and butter base create a rich, sticky topping that soaks into the cake when inverted, making every slice bursting with tropical sweetness and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for a warm dessert served with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 9 pineapple slices from a 20-oz can, drained (reserve juice)
- 9 maraschino cherries
For the Cake Batter
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the microwave and pour it into a 9-inch square baking pan. Evenly sprinkle 2/3 cup packed brown sugar over the melted butter. Arrange the drained pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice to create the signature look.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup softened butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for 40 seconds to blend, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Add 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the arranged pineapple slices and cherries in the baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Invert and Serve: Once baked, immediately cover the pan with a serving plate or platter, then carefully invert the pan to release the cake so that the pineapple side is facing up. Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the topping to drizzle over the cake. Slice and serve warm. It’s delightful when topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Store any leftovers covered, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple slices if preferred, but canned pineapple works well and adds sweetness.
- Reserve the pineapple juice from the can to add moisture and flavor to the cake batter.
- Ensure the butter and brown sugar mixture is evenly spread to create a consistent caramelized topping.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- For best texture, serve the cake warm; leftovers reheat well in a microwave or oven.
