Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

There’s something utterly nostalgic yet delightfully impressive about a classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Caramelized pineapple rings and bright maraschino cherries gleam atop a tender, buttery cake, making every slice a showstopper for any table. This dessert is loved for its sweet-tart flavors, playful presentation, and that irresistible moment when it’s flipped and revealed. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this recipe delivers pure joy by the forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is half the fun! Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a cake that’s rich in flavor with beautiful color and texture.

• Cooking spray: Ensures your beautiful cake releases effortlessly from the pan when you flip it over.
• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp for topping, 8 tbsp for cake): Adds richness to both the golden caramel top and the tender crumb below.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the topping that deep, molasses-y caramelization essential to the classic look and taste.
• Canned pineapple rings in juice (8 oz): The star of the show! Pineapple rings give sweet, tangy flavor and that signature look.
• Maraschino cherries (8–10): These brighten up each slice and create cheerful pops of color.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of your cake, providing structure and a tender texture.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures your cake rises perfectly and stays light.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a touch to balance out all the sweet and enhance flavors.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Delivers classic sweetness for the cake itself.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the batter beautifully and keep your cake soft and rich.
• Pineapple juice (from can, 1/2 cup reserved): Boosts moisture and infuses every bite with natural pineapple flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Generously coat a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray so the finished cake releases easily after baking. Set the pan aside while you get started on your delicious caramelized topping.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of light brown sugar. Stir the mixture continuously until it’s bubbly and a shade deeper in color. This creates the gooey, caramel base for your pineapple rings and sets the stage for the cake’s signature look.

Step 3: Spread the Caramel

Pour the golden caramel mixture straight into your prepared pan, swirling or spreading it into an even layer. Let it cool slightly—this gives you a moment to neatly arrange your fruit without it sliding around.

Step 4: Arrange the Pineapple and Cherries

Carefully lift the pineapple rings out of the can, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice for the cake batter. Place one ring in the center of the pan atop the caramel, then surround it with 6 or 7 more rings. Drop a maraschino cherry into the middle of each ring for a playful, colorful surprise in every slice.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give this a quick toss—these ingredients are the foundation of your cake’s tender, moist base.

Step 6: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and mix another minute until the batter is creamy and completely incorporated.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Keeping your mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the reserved pineapple juice: flour, juice, flour, juice, and then finish with flour. After each addition, mix just until combined. The batter will be thick, but that means it’ll hold up beautifully over the fruit topping!

Step 8: Layer and Smooth the Batter

Gently dollop the batter over the pineapple and cherries in the pan. Use a large spoon or an offset spatula to evenly spread the batter across the fruit, reaching all the way to the edges. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to settle the batter—this helps prevent air pockets.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cake into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until it’s dark golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the nostalgic aroma of caramel and pineapple—absolutely irresistible.

Step 10: Flip and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for just 10 minutes—enough to set the topping but not so much that the caramel sticks to the pan. Place a serving plate over the cake pan, grip both firmly with oven mitts, and gently invert. Lift off the pan to reveal your glistening Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Serve slightly warm, or let it cool completely to share and enjoy later.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Garnishes

A classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake practically begs for a finishing touch. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want extra flair, scatter a few toasted coconut flakes over the top for a tropical twist that’ll wow every guest.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside light, fresh sides like citrus fruit salad or a simple bowl of berries. For coffee lovers, a robust brew balances the sweetness beautifully, and a glass of cold milk is always a cozy option. Pairing with tangy yogurt also brings out the pineapple’s brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake adapts wonderfully to all sorts of occasions. Make mini individual cakes in muffin tins for a playful party treat, or bake the batter in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm. You can even serve slices on banana leaves or with tropical flowers for a luau vibe that feels like a summer holiday any time of year.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple Upside-Down Cake keeps well for up to three days at room temperature if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The cake remains moist thanks to the caramel and fruit topping, though the cherries and pineapple will gently infuse even more flavor as it sits.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in two layers of plastic wrap followed by foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours to preserve both texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheating Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is as simple as placing a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, just until warm. For the best caramel gooeyness, you can also reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately for that just-baked experience!

FAQs

Can I make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake the day before you plan to serve it and store at room temperature, covered. The flavors meld even more, making it a dreamy dessert for parties or gatherings.

Do I need to use canned pineapple rings, or can I use fresh?

You can use fresh pineapple rings, but be sure they’re cut to a similar thickness and well-drained. You may want to simmer fresh slices in a bit of sugar and water to mimic canned rings’ sweetness and juiciness.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?

No worries! You can substitute with fresh pitted cherries, dried cranberries, or even omit them altogether. The pop of color is fun, but the cake will still be delicious and beautiful without them.

Can I make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix. The cake stays just as moist and vibrant, perfect for gluten-free celebrations.

Why is my cake sticking to the pan?

This usually happens if the cake cools for too long before flipping, or if the pan wasn’t well-greased. Be diligent with the cooking spray, and invert the cake 10 minutes after baking for the best release.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, you truly can’t beat Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. It’s a retro classic with timeless appeal, perfect for special occasions or spontaneous baking therapy. So go ahead, gather your cherries and pineapples—your new favorite cake awaits!

Print