Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Introduction

When Ella Chef was a little girl, her grandmother would bake a special pineapple upside down cake every Sunday afternoon. The sweet aroma of caramelized sugar and butter filled the house as the golden cake emerged from the oven, glistening with juicy pineapple rings and bright cherries. Years later, Ella recreated that nostalgic dessert in her own kitchen, perfecting it with a modern touch — a tender vanilla cake base and a glossy, buttery topping that never fails to impress. For her, this cake is more than dessert — it’s a memory of warmth, family, and timeless flavor.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A classic pineapple upside down cake with caramelized fruit topping and moist vanilla cake — perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

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 optional

Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Hand or Electric Mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour melted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it.
2. Arrange pineapple rings over the sugar mixture and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Set aside.
3. In a mixing 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, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter over the pineapple layer and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For extra flavor, add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice to the batter. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and pour it into a 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter to create a rich caramel base. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the sugar mixture, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring for a classic touch. Set the pan aside while you prepare the cake batter.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until smooth, being careful not to overbeat. Pour the batter over the prepared pineapple layer and spread it evenly.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan and carefully invert it. Lift off the pan to reveal the glistening caramelized pineapples.

Serve the cake warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of moist cake, buttery caramel topping, and tangy pineapple makes this dessert irresistibly delicious.

Conclusion

Pineapple Upside Down Cake, perfected by Ella Chef, is a timeless dessert that balances sweetness, tanginess, and nostalgia. Each slice showcases glossy caramelized pineapple atop a buttery, moist cake — a true comfort classic. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or slightly chilled, this dessert delivers both elegance and home-baked warmth. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or when you simply crave something beautifully old-fashioned yet endlessly satisfying. With Ella’s recipe, you’ll bring a touch of tropical charm and golden sweetness to your table every time.