Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert featuring caramelized pineapple rings, sweet maraschino cherries, and a buttery vanilla cake. Baked upside down and flipped before serving, this nostalgic cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners, this timeless dessert never goes out of style.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Classic Southern dessert
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Beautiful presentation
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Moist and buttery cake
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Sweet caramelized pineapple topping
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Perfect for gatherings
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Easy to make from scratch
Ingredients
Pineapple Topping
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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8 pineapple rings
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8 maraschino cherries
Cake Batter
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup milk
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2
Melt butter and pour into the bottom of the pan.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Arrange pineapple rings over the brown sugar.
Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 5
Alternate adding dry ingredients with pineapple juice and milk.
Mix until combined.
Step 6
Pour batter evenly over the pineapple layer.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
Carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
Coconut Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Add shredded coconut to the batter.
Pineapple Cherry Cake
Double the cherries for extra sweetness.
Pineapple Rum Cake
Add a splash of rum extract.
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you flip the cake?
The pineapple topping becomes the top of the cake after baking.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Canned pineapple rings work perfectly.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. This cake tastes great the next day.
Nutrition
Calories will vary depending on serving size.