how to cook Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

30 mins
Vadim Rachok
08.12.2023
21.01.2024
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Recipe Ingredients Video Nutrition
5 / 10
Health score
Nut Free DishVegetarian Dish

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert that embodies delicious flavors and an inviting presentation. The cake features a luscious layer of caramelized pineapple rings atop a soft, buttery cake. Wow your family or friends with this delightful dessert. A detailed recipe will help you to make the pineapple upside-down cake easy. I assure you that it will become your favorite dessert!

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a timeless classic that never fails to evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The rich caramelized topping of butter, brown sugar, and juicy pineapple slices creates a heavenly contrast with the soft, moist cake underneath. It's a delightful dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite for gatherings and family celebrations.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Ingredients

The pineapple upside-down cake recipe involves using convenient ingredients. Here is what you will need: 

  • Butter: You need to use unsalted melted butter. 
  • Brown sugar: Try to sprinkle brown sugar over the melted butter to get the perfect caramelized topping.
  • Fruit: The recipe requires pineapple slices and jarred maraschino cherries.
  • Cake mix: prepare the white cake mix following the instructions on the package. Try to use a yellow or lemon cake mix to enhance the cake flavor.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

You’ll find the full, detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions below. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect when making this dessert.

  1. Make the topping: Melt butter in a cast iron skillet, then remove from heat. Sprinkle brown sugar over the melted butter. Place cherries in the center of each pineapple slice, and arrange.
  2. Add the cake mix: Prepare the white cake mix by adding the water, oil, and eggs.
  3. Bake the cake: Bake the pineapple upside-down cake in a preheated oven for about  25 to 28 minutes. After baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes before carefully turning the cake out onto a plate.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake step by step

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Tips

  • Enhance the cake mix by incorporating a blend of canned pineapple juice and water instead of solely using water.
  • After baking, don’t allow the cake to completely cool in the skillet to prevent sticking. It is better to release it from the pan while it is still warm. A 10-minute cooling period is enough. You may also use an offset spatula to gently loosen the sides before turning the cake out.
  • Try to serve each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and an additional cherry for a stunning finish.
  • Blot the wet pineapples and maraschino cherries before incorporating them into the cake. Avoid excess moisture as it can result in an undesirably wet cake.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Can a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake be Made in Advance?

Of course, you can! This pineapple upside-down cake is an excellent dessert option to prepare in advance. Let’s find out how to store the dessert right.

How to Store Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

The cake can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two days. You need to put your dessert in an airtight container before storing it. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If refrigerated, it’s best to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for better taste and texture.

Can You Freeze Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator or at room temperature overnight before serving.

I'm not a fan of baking with store-bought mixes because, in the vast majority of cases, such mixes have a questionable composition (containing stabilizers, excessive amounts of leavening agents, or starch). Therefore, the healthiness of your specific mix will determine how healthy the pie turns out. Of course, like any classic dessert, this pie contains a fair amount of sugar in its composition and cannot be classified as a healthy food option.

Jenny Dobrynina
Jenny Dobrynina
Nutrition Editor
Health score:
5 / 10
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Author:Vadim Rachok
The pineapple upside-down cake recipe - a classic fruity dessert!
how to cook Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
12
Yield:
1 (10-inch) cake
The ingredients you need:
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings
¼ cup water, or as needed
½ cup unsalted butter
1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix (such as Betty Crocker Super Moist)
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large egg whites
1 ½ cups brown sugar
7 maraschino cherries
Let’s start !
1

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2

2. Drain the canned pineapple into a 1-cup measure. Add water to 1 cup measure if needed. Set aside juice and 7 pineapple rings for the cake. Set any remaining juice and rings aside for another use.

3

3. Melt the butter in a 10- or 11-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

4

4. While the butter is melting, combine the cake mix, reserved 1 cup pineapple juice, vegetable oil, and egg whites in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

5

5. Remove the melted butter from the heat and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top until all the butter is covered. Arrange 6 pineapple rings around the outer edge of the skillet and the remaining ring in the center without overlapping. Place a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring. Pour the cake batter over the pineapples.

6

6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes.

7

7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for 10 minutes; don’t let the cake cool too much or it will stick to the pan.

8

8. Run an offset spatula around the edges to gently loosen the cake. Place a plate over the skillet, then flip and carefully turn the warm cake out onto a plate. Transfer any fruit or glaze that sticks in the skillet back to the cake.

Nutrition Information
Servings Per Recipe: 12 Calories: 399
% Daily Value *
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 280mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 59g21%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 43g 
Protein 3g 
Vitamin C 23mg115%
Calcium 104mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 125mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of rum or vanilla extract to the caramelized topping. This subtle enhancement can elevate the overall taste profile of the cake, providing a delightful surprise for your taste buds. Enjoy the symphony of sweet and tropical flavors in every bite, and let this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake become a star at your dessert table!

Vadim Rachok
Vadim Rachok
Pro tip from chef
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