Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert made with juicy pineapple rings, bright maraschino cherries, a caramelized brown sugar topping, and a soft, buttery vanilla cake. Once baked, the cake is flipped upside down to reveal the beautiful pineapple and cherry topping.
It's an old-fashioned dessert that works just as well for Sunday dinner as it does for holidays, potlucks, Easter, cookouts, and family gatherings. Best of all, this homemade pineapple upside down cake is surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Why You'll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Moist, buttery cake made from scratch
Sweet brown sugar and pineapple topping
Uses canned pineapple and pineapple juice
Beautiful presentation without decorating
Easy enough for beginner bakers
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners
A classic old-fashioned dessert everyone recognizes
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Topping
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
8 pineapple rings
8 maraschino cherries
For the Cake
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup milk
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Make sure the bottom and sides are well greased so the caramelized pineapple topping releases easily when the cake is flipped.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Topping
Melt ¼ cup of butter and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter, creating an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
Arrange the pineapple rings over the brown sugar mixture.
Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. You can also add extra cherries between the pineapple slices if desired.
Set the pan aside while you prepare the cake batter.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Finish the Cake Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the pineapple juice and milk.
Mix just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make the finished cake dense.
6. Assemble the Cake
Carefully spoon or pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherry layer.
Spread the batter evenly with a spatula, being careful not to move the pineapple rings underneath.
7. Bake
Bake the Pineapple Upside Down Cake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If necessary, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil toward the end of baking to prevent excessive browning.
8. Cool and Flip
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Run a thin knife around the outside edge of the cake to loosen it.
Place a large serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Carefully hold the plate and pan together and flip them over in one quick motion.
Slowly lift away the cake pan to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping.
Serve warm or allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Don't drain away all the pineapple juice. If you're using canned pineapple, reserve at least ½ cup of the juice for the cake batter. It adds extra pineapple flavor to the cake.
Use packed brown sugar. Brown sugar creates the rich, sticky caramelized topping that makes pineapple upside down cake so good.
Don't wait too long to flip the cake. Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking. If the cake cools completely in the pan, the caramelized sugar can begin to stick.
Don't overmix the batter. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are combined for a softer, more tender cake.
Use a serving plate larger than your cake pan. Some of the warm brown sugar syrup may run down the sides when you flip the cake.
What to Serve With Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can make it even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can You Use Canned Pineapple for Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Yes. Canned pineapple rings are perfect for pineapple upside down cake and make the recipe especially easy.
Choose pineapple rings packed in juice rather than heavy syrup if possible. Reserve the pineapple juice from the can because you'll use it in the cake batter.
You can also use fresh pineapple, but canned rings give this cake its traditional appearance and make arranging the topping much easier.
Why Is Pineapple Upside Down Cake Baked Upside Down?
The cake is baked with the pineapple, cherries, butter, and brown sugar on the bottom of the pan.
While the cake bakes, the butter and brown sugar create a caramel-like sauce around the fruit. After baking, the entire cake is inverted onto a plate, turning that fruit layer into the glossy topping.
There's no frosting required—the caramelized pineapple topping essentially decorates the cake for you.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Variations
Coconut Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Add ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical pineapple-coconut flavor.
Extra Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Add maraschino cherries between the pineapple rings in addition to placing them in the centers.
Pineapple Rum Cake
Add a small amount of rum extract to the cake batter for a pineapple rum-inspired flavor.
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Turn the recipe into individual desserts by making mini pineapple upside down cakes in a muffin pan. Place pineapple pieces, cherries, brown sugar, and butter into each muffin cup before adding the cake batter.
Keep in mind that smaller cakes will bake faster than a full-size cake.
How to Store Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Cover leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake tightly or place slices in an airtight container.
The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, individual slices can also be wrapped and frozen.
Can You Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes. Pineapple Upside Down Cake can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient dessert for holidays and parties.
Bake and flip the cake as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then cover it until you're ready to serve.
If refrigerated, let the cake come closer to room temperature before serving or gently warm individual slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Pineapple Upside Down Cake stick to the pan?
The caramelized brown sugar topping can become sticky as it cools. Make sure the pan is properly greased and flip the cake about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven rather than allowing it to cool completely inside the pan.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of pineapple rings?
Yes. Pineapple chunks or tidbits will still taste delicious, although you won't get the traditional pineapple-ring design on top of the cake.
Should Pineapple Upside Down Cake be refrigerated?
It can remain covered at room temperature for a short period, but refrigeration is best for longer storage. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within about five days.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes. Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned pineapple. However, you'll need separate pineapple juice for the batter.
When should I flip Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Let the cake rest for approximately 10 minutes after baking, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This gives the cake enough time to settle while the caramelized topping is still warm enough to release from the pan.
Final Thoughts
This easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe combines a moist homemade vanilla cake with juicy pineapple, maraschino cherries, and a buttery brown sugar topping.
The best part comes when you flip the cake and reveal those caramelized pineapple rings. With no frosting or complicated decorating required, it's an easy old-fashioned cake that still makes an impressive centerpiece for the dessert table.
For an extra tropical dessert, sprinkle toasted coconut over each slice before serving.
More Easy Pineapple Recipes
If you love classic cakes and fruit desserts, try these next:
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Pineapple Cheesecake