Irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe: Golden Caramel Magic

Every home baker treasures a classic pineapple upside down cake that reminds them of sweet childhood memories.

Caramelized golden rings create a stunning visual centerpiece on this beloved dessert.

Warm golden-brown edges hint at the rich buttery flavor waiting inside.

Soft vanilla-infused layers mingle perfectly with juicy pineapple pieces that burst with tropical sweetness.

Nostalgic and comforting, this traditional treat connects generations through its simple yet elegant presentation.

Mastering this recipe promises a delightful journey into baking magic that will impress anyone who takes a bite.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly delicious this timeless cake can be.

Why Pineapple Upside Down Cake Is a Classic

• Create Classic Comfort: Enjoy a nostalgic dessert that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and traditional baking.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn an approachable cake recipe that teaches fundamental mixing and layering skills for home bakers of all levels.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Achieve a stunning presentation with a dramatic upside-down reveal that looks professionally made but requires basic cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight guests with a sweet treat that combines fruity pineapple, caramelized sugar, and tender cake in one delicious package.

Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Pineapple Slices: Sweet and tangy fruit that creates the signature layer of the upside-down cake.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red garnish that adds a pop of color and classic nostalgic touch.
• Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with the fruit to create a rich, sticky topping.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy base that provides sweetness and richness to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive cake texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the cake ingredients smoothly.

How to Bake Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Cake Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan and sprinkle brown sugar across the bottom for a caramelized base.

Step 2: Arrange Fruity Decoration

Layer pineapple slices carefully over the brown sugar. If you love extra sweetness, nestle bright red cherries in the center of each pineapple slice.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes incredibly light and fluffy. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Pour And Smooth Batter

Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pineapple slices. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Reveal And Serve

Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then confidently flip onto a serving plate. Watch as the beautiful caramelized pineapple design is revealed.

Tips for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper for easy cake removal.
• Mix maraschino or fresh cherries for a burst of color and flavor variation.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even cake batter.
• Select ripe, firm pineapple slices for the most vibrant and sweet topping.
• Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before inverting to keep the caramel topping intact.

Variations for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Pineapple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Tropical Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Rum-Infused Pineapple Cake: Add a splash of dark rum to the batter for a rich, adult-friendly flavor profile.
• Coconut Pineapple Variation: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pineapple layer before adding batter for extra tropical texture and taste.

Pairings for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, caramelized pineapple cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Chilled pineapple mojito or coconut rum punch enhances the cake's tropical fruity notes, offering a refreshing and complementary drinking experience.
• Homemade caramel-infused whipped cream adds an extra layer of richness, amplifying the cake's buttery and sweet characteristics while providing a luxurious texture.

Proper Storage for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Place cake in an airtight container, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Keep cake loosely covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, ensuring it stays moist and soft.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or reheat in preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore original warm, delicious taste.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for a perfect pineapple upside down cake?

The key ingredients include fresh pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, brown sugar, butter, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.

• Why do I need to sprinkle brown sugar at the bottom of the pan?

The brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a delicious sticky glaze that adds rich flavor and helps the pineapple slices stick to the cake when you flip it.

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly fine. Just make sure to drain the slices thoroughly before arranging them in the pan to prevent excess moisture.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet caramelized pineapple upside down cake brings nostalgic Southern comfort straight to dessert lovers’ hearts. Golden buttery layers reveal classic tropical flavors that melt deliciously on hungry palates, promising pure baking magic you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4–5 maraschino cherries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal baking results.
2. Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by applying a light grease coating and evenly distributing brown sugar across the bottom surface.
3. Carefully layer pineapple slices over the sugar-coated base, strategically placing maraschino cherries in the center of each slice for decorative appeal.
4. Using an electric mixer, thoroughly cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundational texture.
5. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition to maintain a consistent emulsion.
6. In a separate vessel, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
7. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and stirring minimally to prevent overmixing, which can create a dense cake.
8. Delicately pour batter over the arranged pineapple slices, using a spatula to create an even, smooth top layer.
9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when removed.
10. Remove from oven and allow cake to rest for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate, revealing the caramelized pineapple topping.

Notes

• Prevent sticking by thoroughly greasing the cake pan with butter or cooking spray before adding brown sugar.
• Let butter and eggs reach room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
• Drain pineapple slices completely to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
• Consider using fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor and firmer fruit texture if available.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg