Irresistible Upside Down Pineapple Cake Recipe to Try Now

Name: Upside Down Pineapple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks (drained); ½ cup brown sugar

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 26, 2025

Updated:

October 26, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked upside down pineapple cake wafting through your kitchen. The sweet, caramelized pineapple atop a fluffy cake creates a sensory experience that’s hard to resist. You can almost hear the angels singing as you take that first slice, revealing the stunning golden layers beneath.

This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny afternoon tea or a family gathering. It brings back memories of childhood birthdays where everyone eagerly awaited a slice of this iconic cake, their eyes lighting up with anticipation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This upside down pineapple cake is easy to prepare, even for novice bakers

Its tropical flavors and beautiful presentation make it an instant crowd-pleaser
The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it perfect for any season or event

Plus, who doesn’t love the surprise of caramelized fruit on top?

I remember one summer birthday party when I surprised my friends with this cake; their faces lit up with joy as they took the first bite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelization on top.
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening and rise.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results in mixing.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned works well; just drain canned pineapple thoroughly.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the cake while preventing excess saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives that delightful caramel flavor to your topping.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Create the Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Add Pineapple Chunks: Arrange pineapple chunks artfully over the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Layering them in a circular pattern adds visual appeal.

Prepare Cake Batter: In another bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until frothy before adding vanilla extract and melted butter.

Combine Mixtures Gently: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want a tender cake!

Bake with Love!: Pour batter over the pineapple layer in your pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once cooled slightly, invert onto a serving plate so those glorious pineapples shine bright! Slice generously and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy every flavorful bite of this upside down pineapple cake!

You Must Know

This delightful upside down pineapple cake is all about balance</strong>: sweet, tangy pineapples paired with a moist vanilla cake
The caramelized sugar creates a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it cools

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection, start by preparing the caramel sauce first and then layer the pineapples before pouring in the batter. This sequence ensures even cooking and an irresistible topping.

Add Your Touch

Think about adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or using brown sugar for the caramel. You can also swap out pineapples for peaches or cherries if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or enjoy cold for a refreshing treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use ripe pineapples for maximum flavor; underripe ones can be too tart

For a fluffier cake, avoid overmixing the batter
If you want extra moisture, consider adding sour cream to the mix

While baking this cake one evening, my friends couldn’t resist lifting their forks before it cooled completely! Their laughter filled the room as they savored each bite, creating memories I cherish.

FAQ

Can I use canned pineapple for upside down pineapple cake?

Using canned pineapple works great and saves time; just drain well before using.

What type of pan should I use for this cake?

A round 9-inch cake pan is ideal; make sure it’s oven-safe and non-stick.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when properly baked.

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