Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Oh, let me tell you about the beauty of this cake. The soft, buttery cake topped with juicy, caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries—what’s not to love? It’s like a slice of nostalgia on a plate, but better. The sweet, tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the rich, moist cake, and when you flip it over, it’s an absolute showstopper. This is one of those desserts that will make you feel like a baking pro, even if you’ve never made a cake from scratch before. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Showstopping Presentation

When you flip the cake over, the perfectly arranged pineapple and cherries create a stunning presentation. It’s the kind of cake that gets oohs and aahs from everyone at the table. You’ll feel like you’ve just served a bakery-worthy masterpiece.

Moist and Buttery

This cake is incredibly moist thanks to the rich butter and the syrup from the caramelized pineapples. Every bite is tender, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Sweet and Tangy

The pineapple and cherries bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the cake. The caramelized pineapple creates a slightly smoky flavor that complements the light, airy cake base. It’s the best combination!

Simple Ingredients

With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to create this showstopper of a dessert. It’s a great option when you want something delicious but don’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen.

Nostalgic and Timeless

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia. It’s the kind of cake that reminds you of family gatherings, cozy afternoons, and childhood treats. Making it from scratch takes it to a whole new level of comfort.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to make this perfect cake:

Pineapple Slices

The star of the show! Pineapple slices are arranged on the bottom of the pan, where they caramelize and become soft and juicy.

Maraschino Cherries

These little bursts of sweetness top the pineapple slices and add a touch of color to the cake. They’re a classic addition that completes the look.

Butter

Butter is the secret to that rich, moist cake. You’ll use it in both the topping and the cake itself to make everything extra tender.

Brown Sugar

The brown sugar helps create the delicious caramelized layer of pineapple and gives the cake that signature sweetness. It’s what makes the upside-down magic happen!

All-Purpose Flour

Flour gives the cake structure and helps it rise to a perfect, fluffy texture.

Baking Powder

This helps the cake rise and become light and airy, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Granulated Sugar

For that sweet, classic cake flavor, granulated sugar works its magic.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the cake together and add richness to the flavor.

Milk

Milk creates a tender crumb and helps make the batter smooth.

Vanilla Extract

For that comforting, warm flavor that brings everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Prepare the Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and then line the bottom with parchment paper. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and pour it into the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.

Next, arrange the pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar. Make sure to leave space between the slices for the cake to rise around them. Add a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

Make the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream the remaining 1/2 cup of butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Pour the Batter into the Pan

Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices, making sure it’s evenly spread. Don’t worry if it covers the fruit; it will bake up beautifully, with the pineapple and caramel layer on top when you flip it.

Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Flip and Serve

Once the cake has cooled for 5-10 minutes, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Place a plate over the top of the pan and carefully flip it over. Lift the pan off slowly, and voilà—you have the most gorgeous pineapple upside-down cake, with all the caramelized goodness on top.

Slice and Enjoy!

Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into it. Each slice will be soft, moist, and loaded with sweet pineapple goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 slices
Calories per serving: 320-350 calories
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would make this cake even more indulgent. The richness of the whipped cream pairs perfectly with the lightness of the cake.

Hot Coffee or Tea

Pair this cake with a warm drink like coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. The cake is sweet but not overly heavy, making it a perfect match for a cup of something comforting.

Fresh Fruit

If you want to keep things fresh, serve your cake with some extra fresh fruit on the side—maybe some berries or a few slices of citrus. It will balance out the sweetness of the cake and add some extra color to your plate.

As a Celebration Cake

This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. It’s simple yet impressive, making it a great dessert to serve when you want to wow your guests without too much fuss.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Pineapple

While canned pineapple works just fine, using fresh pineapple will elevate this cake to the next level. It will bring even more juiciness and natural flavor.

Let the Cake Cool Before Flipping

Don’t skip the cooling time before flipping the cake. Allowing it to cool slightly helps prevent the caramel from running everywhere, giving you a perfect, intact layer of pineapple.

Double the Recipe

If you’re expecting a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly, but it’s totally doable.

Try Different Fruits

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like peaches, apricots, or berries. You can get creative with your toppings, but pineapple will always be the classic!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit for this cake?

A1: Yes! While pineapple is traditional, you can swap it out for other fruits like peaches, cherries, or pears. Just keep in mind that some fruits may release more moisture, so be sure to drain them well.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make this cake the day before and store it at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. It’ll still taste delicious, and the flavors will have even more time to meld together.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?

A3: Yes! If you want to freeze it, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A4: You can use margarine, but the flavor and texture might not be quite as rich. Butter provides the best taste and moisture, so I recommend sticking with it if you can.

Q5: How can I make the cake more caramelized?

A5: If you want more caramelization, you can cook the pineapple slices and brown sugar in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the cake pan. This will give the caramel a head start!

Q6: What can I substitute for the eggs in this cake?

A6: You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer. Just be aware that this may change the texture slightly.

Q7: Can I make the cake gluten-free?

A7: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Q8: What’s the best way to store this cake?

A8: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q9: Can I use a cast-iron skillet to bake this cake?

A9: Yes! A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works great for this cake and helps to achieve a perfect caramelized bottom.

Q10: How do I make sure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan?

A10: Make sure you grease the pan well and line the bottom with parchment paper. When you flip the cake, it should come out easily with a little gentle coaxing.

Conclusion

Pineapple upside-down cake is a dessert that’s both timeless and irresistible. It’s simple yet impressive, rich yet light, and totally satisfying. The caramelized pineapple topping creates the perfect blend of sweetness and tang, while the cake is soft and buttery. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a fun treat, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Make it, enjoy it, and bask in the glory of your delicious creation!

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