Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

It was a sunny afternoon when Ella Chef decided to bake something nostalgic — a dessert that combined the sweetness of fruit with the comfort of home-baked cake. As she arranged pineapple rings and cherries in a buttery brown sugar glaze, the aroma brought back childhood memories of family gatherings. Her Pineapple Upside Down Cake became an instant favorite, admired for its glossy caramelized top and moist golden crumb. Over time, Ella refined the recipe to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture — a simple, timeless cake that’s both beautiful and irresistibly delicious.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A classic dessert made with caramelized pineapple, cherries, and buttery cake — simple, elegant, and full of tropical sweetness.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

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 drained
• 6–8 maraschino cherries

Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice from the can
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour melted butter into a 9-inch cake pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it.
2. Arrange pineapple slices in a circular pattern and place cherries in the center of each ring.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and pineapple juice to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter evenly over the arranged fruit and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.1mg

Notes

For extra richness, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a hint of cinnamon to the batter for a cozy twist.

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How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour melted butter into a 9-inch cake pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the base — this forms the caramel layer. Arrange pineapple rings over the sugar and place cherries in the center of each ring to create that signature look.

Next, make the cake batter. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients and pineapple juice alternately, mixing gently until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter evenly over the arranged fruit, spreading it out carefully to cover the pineapples without disturbing the pattern. Bake the cake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes — this helps the caramel thicken slightly. Then, invert it carefully onto a serving plate while still warm to reveal the glossy pineapple and cherry topping. Serve plain, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake delivers a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and tangy fruit flavor, making it a classic dessert that never goes out of style.

Conclusion

Ella Chef’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of nostalgia and flavor — a dessert that’s both timeless and elegant. The caramelized pineapples create a beautiful glaze, while the moist cake underneath offers the perfect texture. Whether baked for holidays, family dinners, or a casual weekend treat, this cake never fails to impress. With its tropical notes and old