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Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Tried this pineapple upside down cake recipe and its become my go to dessert! Using the juice in the batter makes it super moist. Love watching the caramel bubble up when you flip it over. Made it for book club and everyone took pictures. The pineapple gets this amazing caramel coating that makes it special. Way better than store bought and not hard at all. Just pay attention to the caramel. Great way to brighten up a gloomy day. Vanilla ice cream on top makes it even better.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:55:00 GMT
A close-up of a dessert topped with pineapple rings and red cherries, glazed with a shiny syrup. Pin it
A close-up of a dessert topped with pineapple rings and red cherries, glazed with a shiny syrup. | lastminrecipes.com

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This pineapple upside down cake brings back the best memories of family gatherings. Those caramelized pineapple rings and bright cherries create such a beautiful top while underneath lies the most perfectly moist vanilla cake. It's one of those recipes that never goes out of style and always brings smiles to the table.

Why This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Always Impresses

The magic happens when you flip this cake over revealing that gorgeous caramelized top. Everyone loves how the sweet tangy pineapple meets fluffy tender cake. It's simple to make but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen perfect for when you want something special without too much fuss.

What You'll Need

  • Topping: Butter brown sugar pineapple rings and those pretty maraschino cherries create that signature look.
  • Cake: Simple ingredients like flour sugar butter and milk come together with pineapple juice and vanilla for the perfect flavor.

Let's Bake Together

Start With The Top
Get your butter and brown sugar all melty arrange those pineapples and cherries just so.
Make Your Batter
Mix everything until it's smooth and creamy this is where the magic starts.
Put It Together
Pour that lovely batter over your arranged fruit and let it bake until perfect.
The Big Reveal
Here's the fun part flip it over while it's still warm and watch everyone's eyes light up.

My Baking Secrets

Make sure your cake is completely baked before flipping nothing ruins this pineapple upside down cake faster than a gooey center. Use a plate that can handle heat and let that caramel settle before lifting the pan it's worth the wait.

A round pineapple upside-down cake topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, displayed on a decorative plate. Pin it
A round pineapple upside-down cake topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, displayed on a decorative plate. | lastminrecipes.com

Keep It Fresh

This cake stays beautiful in the fridge for three days though it rarely lasts that long in my house. Want to freeze it? Wrap it well and it'll keep for months. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why flip the cake immediately?

Flipping while hot ensures the topping will release cleanly and drizzle down the sides.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple?

Canned works better as it's consistent in moisture and sweetness.

→ Why save the pineapple juice?

Using it in the batter adds extra pineapple flavor and moisture.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, keeps well at room temperature or refrigerated for several days.

→ Why beat the batter for exactly 3 minutes?

This creates the perfect texture - not too dense or too airy.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A classic dessert featuring moist vanilla cake topped with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in a brown sugar glaze.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup butter.
02 2/3 cup packed brown sugar.
03 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices.
04 9-10 maraschino cherries.
05 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour.
06 1 cup granulated sugar.
07 1/3 cup butter, softened.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon salt.
10 3/4 cup milk.
11 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice.
12 1 egg.
13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Melt butter, pour in 9-inch square pan.

Step 03

Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Step 04

Arrange pineapple slices and cherries.

Step 05

Beat cake ingredients on low for 40 seconds, then on high for 3 minutes.

Step 06

Pour batter over pineapples.

Step 07

Bake 45-50 minutes.

Step 08

Flip immediately onto serving plate.

Step 09

Let sit few minutes before removing pan.

Notes

  1. Flip while hot for clean release.
  2. Use canned pineapple for consistency.
  3. Save juice for cake batter.
  4. Keeps several days.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch square pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Serving plate.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, milk).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 342
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 3 g