Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Easy Recipe & Classic Dessert

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, buttery cake topped with caramelized pineapple and sweet cherries. This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that’s easier to make than you might think! It’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself. Get ready to bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s incredibly delicious with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• The texture is divine – moist cake with a caramelized, slightly chewy topping.
• It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
• It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events.
• You can easily customize it with different fruits or nuts.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this recipe apart is the way we achieve that perfect caramelized topping. Rather than simply layering the pineapple slices and cherries, we create a buttery brown sugar base directly in the pan. This ensures every piece gets a gorgeous, deeply flavorful coating. The result is a cake with both a beautiful presentation and an irresistible taste. The use of cake flour is also crucial, providing a lighter, more tender crumb than all-purpose.

Ingredient List

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained, juice reserved
• Maraschino cherries, halved (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour (cake flour is essential for a tender crumb)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk (plus a little reserved pineapple juice, if needed, to equal 1/2 cup liquid)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a 9-inch round cake pan on the stovetop or in the microwave. Spread the melted butter evenly across the bottom of the pan.
2. Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar, and place halved cherries in the center of the pineapple rings and in the spaces between, pressing them slightly into the sugar mixture.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened 1/2 cup of butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk (and reserved pineapple juice if needed), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple and cherry mixture in the cake pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto a serving plate. Be careful when inverting, as the caramelized topping will be hot.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans to the topping before baking for added texture and flavor. You could also add a dash of rum or almond extract to the batter for extra depth.

Expert Tips

• Make sure the butter and sugar mixture is evenly distributed in the pan before adding the fruit. This will ensure a beautifully caramelized topping.
• Do not overmix the cake batter; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing will make the cake tough.
• Let the cake cool for the full 10 minutes before inverting it. This allows the topping to set slightly and makes the inverting process easier.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for the batter. This will help ensure a smooth and evenly textured cake.
• If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by measuring out 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and then remove 3 tablespoons and add back 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute canned peaches for the pineapple? Yes, you can use canned peaches or even other fruit such as sliced apricots or nectarines. Just be sure they are drained well.
• How do I store leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently if desired.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the cake can be made up to a day ahead of time. Store at room temperature after inverting it.
• Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, but canned works best because the acidity reacts better to the brown sugar. If you use fresh pineapple, be sure to cook the butter-sugar-fruit mixture in the pan over low heat before pouring the batter over.
• Can I use a different size cake pan? While this recipe is optimized for a 9-inch round pan, you could try an 8-inch pan, but the baking time may need to be increased slightly. If you use a different pan, pay close attention when baking and check for doneness.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative with your upside-down cake! Here are some fun ideas:

• Tropical Twist: Add a layer of shredded coconut underneath the pineapple for a tropical flair.
• Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts into the batter and topping.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for added warmth.
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the finished cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus note.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is delicious on its own, served warm or at room temperature. You can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it with coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, or as a special dessert after dinner.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe is your ticket to a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its caramelized topping and tender, moist crumb, it’s a guaranteed hit. Don’t wait another minute – try it today and share your beautiful creations! Be sure to tag us in your photos and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more amazing recipes.