Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

I first discovered the joy of baking a pineapple upside down cake when my friend Ella Chef introduced me to it during a weekend brunch. She told me how this cake became a classic in her family—its golden caramel topping and sweet pineapple slices always stole the show. As we flipped the cake out of the pan together, I held my breath, and when it revealed its glossy, beautiful top, we both laughed with relief and pride. That day, Ella taught me not only a recipe but also the magic of baking something that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A classic cake topped with caramelized pineapples and cherries, baked to golden perfection, and flipped for a stunning presentation.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 6-8 slices pineapple rings canned or fresh
• 6-8 maraschino cherries optional

Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice reserved from canned pineapple
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Pour melted butter into the pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top.
3. Arrange pineapple rings and cherries over the sugar layer.
4. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
6. Mix in half the dry ingredients, then the pineapple juice and sour cream, followed by the remaining dry ingredients.
7. Pour batter over the pineapple layer and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of rum to the pineapple juice.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Making pineapple upside down cake is a fun process that combines baking with a touch of presentation magic. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour melted butter into the pan and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. This will caramelize as the cake bakes, creating the sticky golden topping that makes the cake so iconic.

Arrange pineapple rings neatly over the sugar, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring for a pop of color. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.

Mix in half the dry ingredients, followed by pineapple juice and sour cream, then the remaining dry ingredients. This alternating method ensures a smooth and moist batter. Pour the batter gently over the pineapple layer and spread evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the pan, then carefully invert it to reveal the glossy pineapple topping. The anticipation of flipping the cake is part of the fun!

This cake can be served warm or at room temperature. Its combination of caramelized fruit and moist sponge makes it both a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing dessert. Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Pineapple upside down cake is a timeless dessert that brings together simplicity, elegance, and a touch of retro charm. Thanks to Ella Chef’s inspiration, I learned that flipping a cake can be just as exciting as baking it. The caramelized pineapple, sweet cherries, and moist sponge create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or served at a dinner party, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With its glossy topping and nostalgic appeal, pineapple upside down cake remains a classic recipe worth keeping in your collection.