The Ultimate Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

My Go-To Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

By Evelyn ThatcherJune 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Right then, let's dive into this Pineapple Upside Down Cake adventure! Ever have those moments where you just crave something utterly comforting? Something that screams "childhood memories" and "granny's kitchen"? Honestly, for me, that's Pineapple Upside Down Cake, innit?

It's a classic for a reason, and we're about to make one that'll knock your socks off!

What's the Fuss About? The Magic of Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple upside down cake isn't just a cake; it's a proper experience. think tropical sweetness meets buttery caramel, all nestled beneath a fluffy, tender cake.

Its roots are deep in american baking history, a true retro dessert . it's the kind of cake that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, proper comfort food if you ask me.

This classic dessert is a taste of sunshine on a cloudy day.

This recipe lands smack dab in the medium difficulty zone. it's not rocket science, but it needs a touch of tlc.

Budget about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. you should get about 8-10 slices, perfect for sharing… or not! think of it as a glorious bundt cake , showstopping and delicious!

Why This Pineapple Upside Down Cake ?

Besides the obvious deliciousness , pineapple is packed with vitamin c. it's basically a health food... right? (okay, maybe not entirely , but let's pretend).

This cake is the dessert for any potluck or bake sale. imagine bringing this to a bbq! it's not just a pineapple cake ; it's a statement.

Forget those boring cake mix recipes . we're going pineapple upside down cake from scratch , mate! it’s the kind of yummy food dessert that makes everyone smile.

Honestly, eat dessert is practically a life motto, isn’t it? and this upside down cake is worth every single calorie.

It's more than just food cakes ; it's pure joy!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this pineapple upside down cake from scratch ! it's easier than you think, promise.

We'll cover all the bits, from ingredients to kit. i remember the first time i tried one of these. it was at my nan's, and honestly, it was the taste of pure nostalgia.

Proper retro desserts, these are.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Shopping List

So, you fancy making a Pineapple Upside Down Cake ? Ace! Here's what you'll need. Don’t worry. I'll give you a heads up on what to look for.

Main Ingredients

Right, let's get started. First up, the star of the show.

½ cup (1 stick) (113g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces. Go for decent quality butter. You'll taste the difference.
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar. This is for that gorgeous caramel.
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices in juice, drained, reserve ¼ cup juice. Get good pineapple the kind that smells proper sweet. Keep that juice!
Maraschino cherries, halved. Optional, but they look proper, don’t they?
1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour will do the trick.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder. Makes it nice and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to balance the sweet.
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened. Again, good butter is key!
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. For the cake.
2 large eggs. Free range if you can.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Adds a lovely warmth.
½ cup (120ml) milk. Full fat or semi skimmed, your call.
¼ cup Reserved pineapple juice. We kept this earlier!

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up a bit. You know?

Vanilla is essential. You can use almond extract for the Pineapple Cake, if you're feeling adventurous.
A pinch of cinnamon can add a lovely warmth.
Feel free to chuck in some Bundt Cakes Recipes .
Ginger is a great add on to your Yummy Food Dessert .

Equipment Needed

Don't panic, nothing too fancy!

A 9 inch round cake pan is a must.
Mixing bowls.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Makes life easier!
Rubber spatula. For scraping down the sides.
Toothpick or cake tester. To check if it’s done.
Wire rack. For cooling. A cooling rack ensures the base doesn't sweat as it cools.

Don’t have an electric mixer? No worries. A wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do. Honestly, my Nan never used anything fancy. The best Classic Desserts don't need special gadgets.

Pineapple Upside Down is not a difficult recipe! Remember that the joy is in the making. So, gather your bits, put on some music, and let's get baking! A yummy cake awaits!

Right, let's get into this pineapple upside down cake recipe, shall we? honestly, who doesn't love a slice of this retro delight? it's like a warm hug, pure comfort food.

I remember my nan always making this. it was the classic dessert for every family gathering. let's make some yummy memories!

Ace Your Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Cooking Method

This isn't just any pineapple upside down cake from scratch recipe; it's the ultimate guide to mastering this food cake ! forget complicated recipes.

We're making it simple, so even if you're a complete beginner, you can bake this yummy cake like a pro.

Prep Like a Boss: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organized. gather all your ingredients, measure them out. got it? great. melt ½ cup (1 stick) (113g) unsalted butter , and have your 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar ready for the caramel.

Drain the 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices reserving ¼ cup of juice . halve your maraschino cherries . for the cake, measure out 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour , 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder , ¼ teaspoon salt , ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter , ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar , 2 large eggs , ½ teaspoon vanilla extract , ½ cup (120ml) milk , and reserved ¼ cup pineapple juice .

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step to Pineapple Perfection

This Pineapple Cake recipe is easy if you follow the steps.

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan. This is key.
Make that lush caramel topping. Melt ½ cup (1 stick) (113g) butter in the pan on the hob. Stir in 1 cup (200g) brown sugar until dissolved. Cook for 1- 2 minutes until bubbly. Take it off the heat!
Arrange the pineapple upside slices in the pan. Pop a cherry in the middle of each ring. Isn't it yummy food dessert ?
Whisk the dry stuff! Mix 1 ½ cups (192g) flour , 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder , and ¼ teaspoon salt .
Cream ½ cup (113g) butter and ¾ cup (150g) sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one-by-one, then ½ teaspoon vanilla and ¼ cup pineapple juice .
Gradually add the dry ingredients with ½ cup (120ml) milk . Mix until combined.
Pour batter over the fruit in the pan. Bake for 45- 55 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips: Secrets for a Showstopper Upside Down Cake

Want to take your Pineapple Upside Down skills to the next level?

Don't overbake! Check the cake at 45 minutes to avoid dryness.
Cool it down! Let it cool for 10 minutes before inverting.
Avoid sticking! Grease and flour the pan really well. This helps with the Pineapple Upside release.

I always think that a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to eat dessert like this.

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for your Pineapple Upside Down Cake masterpiece. These are the little things that elevate it from just yummy to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this isn’t just another cake. this pineapple upside down cake from scratch can become a family heirloom recipe. like grandma used to make! think retro desserts with a modern twist.

So, let’s dive into some tips and tricks.

Serving it Up Like a Pro

Presentation matters, right? this pineapple upside looks gorgeous as is, but a little extra flair never hurt anyone. when you plate up your pineapple upside down , go for a rustic vibe.

Think a simple white plate to let the colors pop. got some fresh mint? a little sprig adds a lovely touch.

On the side? a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream is a no-brainer, trust me. the cold ice cream against the warm cake.

.. chef's kiss . or, if you're feeling fancy, some lightly sweetened whipped cream does the trick. pair it with a light, fruity wine or even a cheeky rum-based cocktail.

Storage Secrets

Want to keep that pineapple upside down cake fresh? if you have any left, that is! store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will happily last for up to 3 days.

Freezing? honestly, it's not ideal. the texture can change a bit. but, if you really need to, wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to a month.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. reheating instruction are a must!

Twists and Turns: Variations

Let's get creative with this pineapple cake ! wanna make it healthier? try swapping some of the butter for unsweetened applesauce.

Nobody will ever know! also, for a gluten-free version, use a good gluten-free flour blend. there are some cracking blends available these days.

What about seasonal swaps? In the autumn, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy twist.

The Good Stuff: Nutrition

Okay, so eat dessert isn't exactly a health food, but let's keep it real. here's the lowdown: this upside down cake gives you energy.

Some of it, anyway. it’s got carbs for fuel, but it also has a bit of fat, so don’t go overboard.

Did you know that pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that might help with digestion? There is 350 calories per serving.

So, there you have it. all the extra bits and bobs you need to make your pineapple upside down cake extra special.

Get baking and enjoy some yummy cakes ! remember, classic desserts like these bring joy. time to bake some bundt cakes recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my pineapple upside down cake stick to the pan?

Ah, the dreaded sticky cake! Several factors can cause this. First, ensure you've thoroughly greased and floured your pan like giving it a proper protective coat! Cooling the cake for only 10 minutes before inverting is also crucial; any longer, and the caramel can harden and glue the cake to the pan.

Using a good quality non-stick pan can also help prevent this from happening.

Can I make pineapple upside down cake ahead of time?

You certainly can, but with a couple of caveats. Ideally, enjoy your pineapple upside down cake fresh, as that's when it's at its peak of moistness and flavor. However, you can bake it a day ahead, let it cool completely, and then store it tightly covered at room temperature.

The caramel might soften a bit, but it'll still taste lovely! To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, avoid storing it in the refrigerator.

How do I get the caramel just right for my pineapple upside down cake?

The key is to cook the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Don't rush it, or the sugar might not dissolve properly!

Allow it to cook for a minute or two longer, but watch carefully, like a hawk, to prevent it from burning, which would give it a bitter taste. You're aiming for a rich, golden brown color.

What are some variations I can try with my pineapple upside down cake recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter for a spiced version. For a tropical boost, try adding some shredded coconut to the batter. If you're not a fan of maraschino cherries, you could use dried cranberries or even pecan halves for a nutty crunch.

Or, for something a bit different, try using peaches or pears instead of pineapple.

Is pineapple upside down cake healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Let's be honest, pineapple upside down cake is more of a treat than a health food, a bit like a cheeky Friday night takeaway! It's relatively high in sugar and fat. However, you can make some adjustments to lighten it up a bit. Consider reducing the amount of sugar in the cake batter.

Also, bear in mind the portion size, a small slice of pineapple upside down cake can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It's all about moderation, innit!