Pineapple Upside Down Cake (2024)

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic American classic recipe, and has the most perfect light, but moist crumb, and is filled with delicious pineapple flavor. Hold onto your hats, this is seriously amazing!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake (1)

Pineapple upside down cake is such a classic recipe! So often it can be totally underrated. While it may not be the first cake recipe you think of when you’re planning a birthday party or making a dessert, it will certainly be memorable once you take that first bite. The topping of this pineapple upside down cake is made with brown sugar and butter. When it goes into the oven it melts and cooks and turns into a caramel-like texture. That’s heavenly on its own, but then we top it with pineapple and cherries!

When you flip the cake over so the pineapples are on the top, that caramel mixture seeps into the cake and makes this pineapple upside down cake so tender and moist. We prefer to serve this pineapple upside down cake a little warm, but you can easily serve it cold, straight out of the refrigerator. If you serve it warm, make sure to grab a pint of vanilla ice cream to go on top. You’ll thank me later.

Do I need to grease the cake pan?

Not this time. The melted butter in the bottom of the pan is all that you should need for it to come out easily, once you gently run a knife around the edges of the pan.

Can I make this in a 9×13 pan?

This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9×13 pan. All ingredients should simply be doubled. The baking time will remain roughly the same at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes.

Yogurt Options for Pineapple Upside Down Cake:

We love the tanginess of full fat Greek yogurt, but you can use any plain yogurt. Fat free, low fat, whole fat, dairy free, it’s up to you! In a pinch? Sour cream works too!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake (2)

Storage Instructions:

To store pineapple upside down cake you can put it in the refrigerator. To make sure the pineapple and cherries don’t stick to your plastic wrap, stick toothpicks around the edges and in the middle. Once you’ve done that, wrap both the cake and its plate loosely in the plastic wrap. Place the pineapple upside down cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In addition to being stored in the refrigerator, you can cover this cake in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to one month, but I promise it won’t last that long!

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other amazing cake recipes:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake (2024)

FAQs

When should I flip my pineapple upside-down cake? ›

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake a few minutes so brown sugar mixture can drizzle over cake; remove pan. Serve warm.

Can you use pineapple juice instead of water in a cake mix? ›

I also like using the pineapple juice from the canned pineapple in place of water (or with water) in the cake mix. Once the cake comes from the oven you're done. No icing or decorating needed.

What cake pan is best for upside-down cake? ›

Cast iron may not be on the ingredient list for your upside-down cake, but it's the perfect piece of cookware to experiment with this classic dessert. Here are three reasons you should use cast iron when you bake this classic treat, along with some tips to keep in mind.

Do you have to refrigerate pineapple upside-down cake? ›

You have to refrigerate it, especially after you bake it. Though, cool it first. And make sure to do that before putting it in the fridge. Consequently, if you did not store it in the fridge, it will indeed spoil quickly.

Should you use parchment paper when baking a pineapple upside-down cake? ›

To get the goo to stay where you want it and not impede the release of the cake, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper or a silicone cake-pan liner after you grease the pan. That should allow easy removal, and then you can peel the paper off of the cake.

Why is my pineapple upside-down cake not done in middle? ›

Another problem if your oven temperature is too low is your cake is not going to bake in the required time as stated in the recipe. So for example, if your cake should take 30 minutes to cook, it's not going to be cooked in those 30 minutes if the oven temperature is too low.

Why is my pineapple upside-down cake mushy? ›

The juice from the pineapple and the sugar form a syrup when baked. Second mistake, along with the golden syrup, we also poured a little of the pineapple juice. The additions of the extra liquid made the middle of the cake a bit too soggy.

Does milk instead of water make cake moist? ›

One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise.

What makes a cake mix more moist? ›

Add an Extra Egg

Most cake mixes call for two to three eggs. Just one more egg will add extra moisture, fat, and a little protein, which means the cake will be softer and less likely to overbake and dry out in the oven.

Do you let upside-down cake cool before flipping? ›

Pour the batter into the pie dish and carefully spread it to the edges of the pan before baking for 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool before flipping over and serving.

What is a substitute for maraschino cherries in pineapple upside-down cake? ›

If you're looking for a substitute for maraschino cherries in a pineapple upside-down cake, fresh cherries or other preserved cherries can work well. Even raspberries, blackberries, or small halved strawberries could work.

How to keep pineapple upside-down cake from sticking? ›

In order to keep the fruit in place and protect the caramel from sticking, line the bottom of the pan with parchment. A smooth stovetop caramel is also key to the perfect upside-down cake. This recipe uses reserved pineapple juice and cornstarch to ensure the caramel stays nice and velvety.

What is the best way to flip a pineapple upside down cake? ›

As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, place serving platter upside down on the cake. Carefully but quickly, flip the cake upside down. Tap on the bottom of the cake pan to release the cake, and then carefully lift the cake pan to remove it.

Is pineapple upside down cake better the next day? ›

Can you make pineapple upside down cake the day before? While I personally like this pineapple cake on the day it is made, you can make it the day before. Simply, bake it as directed, let it fully cool to room temperature, and store it in the fridge.

How long do you let a cake cool before flipping? ›

It's important to pay attention to the specifics called for in a recipe, but in general, most cakes are best removed from the pan after cooling for 10 to 20 minutes. Try it too soon, and it may fall apart. Wait too long, and it may stick.

How long do you let a pineapple sit upside down? ›

Resting the pineapple upside down for 30 minutes helps the juices to run back down and distribute for evenly juicy pieces. After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple. Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple.

Does turning a pineapple upside down make it more juicy? ›

tronzo last month revealed that the best way to make sure your pineapple is extra juicy and sweet is to store it upside down. Austin explains in the video that the best way to make your pineapple ripen faster is to remove the spiky leaves at the top with a twisting motion, then flip the pineapple on its head.

Why is the top of my pineapple upside down cake soggy? ›

SAM'S TIP: Make sure to blot your pineapple slices well with paper towels before placing them in your pie plate. This will absorb any excess liquid. If you skip this step it could make your cake soggy.

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