This pineapple upside down cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. With its moist, buttery cake topped with caramelized pineapple and cherries, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy treat, this classic recipe is easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Why We Love This
If you’ve never tried a pineapple upside down cake, you’re in for a treat! This dessert is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for any occasion. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery. The best part? It’s foolproof, even for beginners.
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The caramelized pineapple creates a delightful contrast to the buttery, moist cake. Add in the maraschino cherries, and you get a perfect balance of sweetness and a little tartness.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this cake always fits right in. It’s comforting yet elegant enough for a special event.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can easily prepare this cake in advance, and it actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush!
This pineapple upside down cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a feel-good dessert that’ll bring smiles to everyone around the table. It’s sweet, easy to make, and simply unforgettable!
Ingredients for pineapple upside down cake recipe
To make this pineapple upside down cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour – Essential for a tender texture.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
Brown sugar – Creates the caramelized topping.
Maraschino cherries – For decoration and extra sweetness.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
Whole milk – Adds moisture and richness.
Canned pineapple slices – Creates the delicious topping.
Instructions
Making this pineapple upside down cake is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a stunning dessert that everyone will love.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the topping: Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl. Pour into the bottom of the cake pan and spread evenly. Arrange pineapple slices on top, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each.
Make the cake batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the cake: Pour the batter over the pineapple slices in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and flip: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then flip the cake onto a plate. Remove the pan to reveal the caramelized topping.
Pro Tips
To make sure your pineapple upside down cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that will help you achieve a stunning and delicious dessert:
Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that’s not as soft and airy. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
Check the cake with a toothpick: To make sure your cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Cool the cake before flipping: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the caramelized topping to set and prevents the cake from sticking when you flip it.
Topping tips: If you want a more decadent topping, try adding a splash of pineapple juice to the brown sugar and butter mixture before pouring it into the pan. This extra moisture will create an even richer caramelized layer.
Serve warm: While this cake can be enjoyed at room temperature, it’s especially delicious when served warm. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
These pro tips will ensure your pineapple upside down cake is a hit, whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat.
Variations
While the classic pineapple upside down cake is always a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and make this recipe your own. Here are some fun variations to try:
Coconut Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Add a tropical twist by mixing shredded coconut into the cake batter or sprinkling it over the pineapple layer before baking. This will give the cake a subtle coconut flavor and a lovely texture.
Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake: If you love cherries, why not add a few more? Replace some of the pineapple slices with fresh or canned cherries, or even combine both for a vibrant, fruity topping.
Spiced Pineapple Upside Down Cake: For a warm, cozy twist, add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cake batter. This will give the cake a comforting spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramelized pineapple.
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes: Make individual servings by using muffin tins or small cake pans. This is perfect for portion control or serving at a party, and they’re so cute!
Serving Suggestions
Your pineapple upside down cake is the star of the show, but there are plenty of ways to serve it up for maximum enjoyment. Here are a few delicious serving suggestions to take this cake to the next level:
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve your cake warm with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the rich, caramelized pineapple topping beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Fruit: Enhance the tropical flavors by adding fresh fruit on top, like sliced bananas, strawberries, or even kiwi. A mix of fresh fruits brings brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For extra indulgence, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the top. The buttery, sugary sweetness will elevate the caramelized flavor of the pineapple.
Pair with a Cup of Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its sweet, slightly tangy flavor makes it a perfect companion for your afternoon or morning beverage.
As a Breakfast Treat: Why not enjoy this cake for breakfast? The fruity topping and light texture make it a delightful way to start the day. Just be sure to reheat it slightly for a warm, comforting experience.
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FAQs for pineapple upside down cake recipe
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying pineapple upside down cake. These tips will help you troubleshoot and ensure a perfect bake every time!
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to slice it evenly and remove the tough core. Using fresh pineapple can enhance the flavor, but canned pineapple rings make this recipe even easier and quicker.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
To prevent your cake from sticking, ensure you properly grease the pan and use parchment paper on the bottom. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour or sugar over the buttered surface for added insurance. When it’s time to flip the cake, let it cool for a few minutes, but not too long, so it doesn’t stick.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make your pineapple upside down cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature. Before serving, reheat it gently in the oven to restore its warmth and texture. This also helps the caramel topping to melt back to its golden, gooey goodness.
Why did my cake turn out too dense?
A dense cake can result from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and mix just until combined. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can affect the cake’s rise.
How can I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For the best flavor, reheat it gently before serving!
pineapple upside down cake recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple slices, drained (reserve the juice for later)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed (this creates the delicious caramelized topping)
- Maraschino cherries for decoration (optional but adds a pop of color)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk whole milk works best for richness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Prepare the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the sugar mixture, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. This creates a beautiful and colorful base for the cake.
Make the cake batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Assemble the cake:
- Pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple slices in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the cake:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
Cool and flip:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Place a plate over the pan and flip it over. Gently remove the pan to reveal the beautiful caramelized pineapple topping.