Name: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; 6 to 8 pineapple rings; 6 to 8 maraschino cherries; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ cup pineapple juice

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever wanted dessert and a show at the same time? Meet the Pineapple Upside Down Cake , the only cake that literally flips your expectations. Golden caramel, sweet pineapples, and a soft buttery sponge come together for a treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. And yes, flipping it is optional drama, but we highly recommend it.

What Is Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This classic cake starts with a buttery caramel layer topped with pineapple rings and cherries. Once baked and flipped, it reveals a glossy, golden crown of fruit. The sponge beneath is light, moist, and full of tropical flavor. It’s a dessert that delivers both nostalgia and flavor in one slice.

Why You’ll Love It

It looks fancy but is easy to make.
The caramelized fruit topping makes it sweet and glossy.
It’s the perfect balance of soft cake and juicy pineapple.
You can serve it warm or cold, either way, it’s amazing.

Prep and Bake Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 340
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 36g
Protein: 4g

Kitchen Tools Needed

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Electric mixer (optional)
Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Topping

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
6 to 8 pineapple rings
6 to 8 maraschino cherries

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup pineapple juice

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour melted butter into the cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Arrange pineapple rings on top of the sugar. Place a cherry in the center of each ring.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add half the dry mix, then milk and pineapple juice, then the rest of the dry mix. Mix until smooth.
Pour the batter over the pineapple layer and spread evenly.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes. Place a plate over the pan and flip carefully. Applaud yourself for the flip.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Quick Tips

Pat the pineapple rings dry to avoid extra moisture.
If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist.

Final Sweet Thought

Baking a Pineapple Upside Down Cake is like giving dessert a fun twist, sweet, juicy, and a little dramatic. It’s simple, cheerful, and always earns compliments, whether you serve it for a casual snack or a festive gathering. Flip it, slice it, and enjoy every golden, caramelized bite.