The aroma of caramelized sugar and ripe pineapples fills the air as you prepare to create an upside down pineapple cake. This delightful dessert promises a symphony of flavors, where moist cake meets the sweet tang of pineapple, creating a moment that feels like a tropical vacation right in your kitchen.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make upside down pineapple cake</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for fresh pineapple?
- How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine lifting that golden cake from its pan, revealing a gorgeous arrangement of juicy pineapple rings and maraschino cherries glistening like jewels. Every bite is an adventure wrapped in nostalgia, reminding you of sunny afternoons and gatherings filled with laughter. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, this dish is sure to make the occasion memorable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This upside down pineapple cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
- The visually stunning presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings
- It’s versatile and can be served warm, cold, or with ice cream for extra indulgence
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it in minutes and declared me the “Cake Wizard.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Canned Pineapple Rings: Choose quality canned pineapple rings as they offer convenience and sweetness that’s hard to beat.
Maraschino Cherries: These bright red cherries add a festive touch; don’t skimp on them!
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for that lovely caramel flavor when it melts into the pineapple.
Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple; it provides structure without being too dense.
Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh for that perfect rise; nothing worse than flat cake!
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness; don’t worry, this cake deserves every grain!
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the flavor; never underestimate good vanilla.
Milk: Whole milk works best here for richness and moisture in the cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make upside down pineapple cake
Create the Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a round cake pan, melt butter over medium heat and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it. Arrange pineapple rings on top, placing cherries in each center hole for added flair.
Prepare Your Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract for that aromatic touch.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep it light!
Pour Over Topping: Gently pour your batter over the arranged pineapples in the pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula so every slice has an equal chance of delight.
Bake Away: Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool and Flip: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a serving plate. Let gravity do its magic as you reveal that stunning topping!
Enjoy sharing this delightful upside down pineapple cake with family or friends—or keep it all to yourself if you’re feeling generous! Each bite is a sweet reminder that life is meant to be celebrated with joy and good food!
You Must Know
- Upside down pineapple cake is a tropical treat that surprises with its caramelized sweetness
- Make sure to choose ripe pineapples for the best flavor
- The aroma of baking cake mingled with caramelized sugar will have everyone swooning before it even reaches the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the caramel sauce first, then layer the pineapple slices on top before pouring in the batter. This ensures a beautifully moist and flavorful upside down pineapple cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pineapple for peaches or cherries for a fun twist. You can also sprinkle some coconut flakes over the topping for a tropical vibe that’ll transport you straight to the beach.
Storing & Reheating
To store, keep your upside down pineapple cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm it perfectly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pineapples for the best flavor; canned ones can be too mushy
- Ensure your caramel is bubbling before adding the batter for that perfect golden crust
- Don’t skip letting it cool before flipping; patience pays off with this showstopper dessert!
Baking my first upside down pineapple cake was an adventure filled with laughter and a few minor kitchen mishaps, but every bite was worth it when family raved about it.
FAQ
What can I substitute for fresh pineapple?
You can use canned pineapple slices if fresh isn’t available, but they may alter texture.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Make sure to grease your pan well and use parchment paper for added security against sticking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance; just store it properly to retain moisture and flavor.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintUpside Down Pineapple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a slice of paradise with this Upside Down Pineapple Cake, where sweet caramelized pineapple meets a moist, fluffy cake. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual weeknight treats. The stunning presentation of juicy pineapple rings and maraschino cherries will captivate your guests, while the tropical flavors evoke memories of sun-soaked days. Prepare for an adventure in baking that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a round cake pan over medium heat and sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top. Arrange pineapple rings and place maraschino cherries in the center of each.
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to wet ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.
- Pour batter over the arranged pineapples and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (89g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg





