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If you’ve ever wanted to bake a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is the one to try. The moment you flip this golden cake out of the pan, vibrant pineapple rings crowned with bright maraschino cherries create a glossy, caramelized masterpiece that tastes as wonderful as it looks. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of buttery, moist cake paired with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and a subtle hint of vanilla, making this recipe a classic crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round metal baking pan contains a layered dessert starting with a dark brown base, topped with seven bright yellow pineapple rings arranged evenly across the surface. Each pineapple ring holds a shiny red cherry in its center, and four extra cherries are placed between and around the rings to fill the gaps. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vivid colors of the fruit and the rich brown base beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the nostalgic look of this classic dessert; the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential. Each item plays a specific role — from the rich melted butter that creates the caramelized topping to the tangy sour cream that keeps the cake moist and tender.

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted: This forms the luscious caramel base that warms the pineapple’s sweetness beautifully.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness perfect for caramelizing.
20 ounces sliced pineapple, drained: The star of the show, providing juicy bursts of tropical flavor.
13 maraschino cherries, stems removed: These make each pineapple ring pop with color and a subtle cherry sweetness.
1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb.
1½ teaspoons baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy texture.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creamed with sugar to create the perfect cake batter base.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to a beautiful golden crust.
2 large eggs, room temperature: Adds richness and structure to the cake.
¼ cup sour cream, room temperature: Gives the cake moisture and a slight tang that complements the pineapple.
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice: Infuses the batter subtly with tropical juice for extra flavor.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with a warm, aromatic touch.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and pour it evenly into your 9-inch round cake pan, spreading it with a pastry brush or folded paper towel so the entire bottom is coated. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter in an even layer. This simple step sets the stage for the decadent, caramelized pineapple topping you’ll see later.

Step 2: Arrange Pineapple and Cherries

Carefully place the drained pineapple slices over the butter and brown sugar mixture. Nestle a maraschino cherry right in the center of each pineapple ring—this will create those classic bright red jewels that make this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe instantly recognizable and visually delightful.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining these dry ingredients ensures that your cake will rise evenly and have just the right crumb texture. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about two minutes. This step is key to achieving a tender cake crumb and excellent aeration in your batter.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to keep the batter fully blended. This builds structure and richness in your cake, lending it that perfect softness without heaviness.

Step 6: Incorporate Sour Cream, Pineapple Juice, and Vanilla

Next, mix in the sour cream, reserved pineapple juice, and vanilla extract. These liquid ingredients add moisture, a bit of tang, and warmth to the batter, enhancing the pineapple’s natural sweetness while making the cake wonderfully moist.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here, which can make the cake tough—just stir enough to create a smooth, uniform batter.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter carefully over the pineapple and cherries in the cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil to protect the topping and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Invert

Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before flipping it onto your serving plate. This step requires a bit of patience but is crucial because the topping needs to set slightly to come away easily, revealing your perfect pineapple and cherry design with that luscious caramel glaze.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

A single slice of yellow pineapple upside-down cake sits at the center of a white speckled plate, showing two clear layers: the bottom soft and moist cake layer, and the top glossy caramelized layer with a round pineapple ring and a bright red cherry in the middle. A golden fork with a piece of cake and a small chunk of red cherry is placed to the right of the slice, resting on the plate. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean, bright look, with a hint of an orange cloth nearby and a wooden bowl with red cherries in the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cake’s tropical vibe with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few fresh mint leaves. Both options provide a lovely contrast — coconut adds crunch and nutty flavor while mint offers a refreshing aroma to balance the dessert’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These cool, creamy companions harmonize beautifully with the warm, caramelized pineapple topping and add an extra layer of indulgence to your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your cake in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets so each guest gets their own personal pineapple delight. Another idea is to drizzle a bit of coconut rum glaze over slices for a grown-up tropical flair that turns the classic recipe into an elegant party dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe has been enjoyed, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the topping moist and sticky. Avoid refrigeration to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and vibrant caramel glaze.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe warm, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15 to 20 seconds, or warm it in a low 300°F oven for roughly 10 minutes. This helps revive its gooey topping and soft cake without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a bright, natural sweetness and juiciness. Just be sure to slice and drain it well so the cake batter doesn’t become too wet. You might want to reserve some pineapple juice to mix into the batter.

What type of pan should I use for baking this cake?

A 9-inch round cake pan works perfectly for this recipe. It’s the right size to hold the topping and batter in balance, allowing even caramelization and baking. Using a non-stick pan or greasing the pan well also helps with easy release of the cake.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Your cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Also, you’ll notice the edges slightly pulling away from the pan.

Can I make this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replace the sour cream with coconut yogurt or another plant-based sour cream alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic and tropical.

How long should I let the cake cool before flipping?

It’s best to let the cake cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the caramelized topping set slightly to prevent sticking and falling apart during inversion. Warm but not hot is the sweet spot for flipping.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. Its rich caramel topping, tropical pineapple sweetness, and moist vanilla cake base make it a dessert worth sharing—whether for a special occasion or just weekday treat. Give it a try and watch this classic become a beloved favorite that brings smiles to the table every time.

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