Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – A Classic Favorite

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Pineapple Upside-Down Cake—its golden caramelized pineapples, rich buttery cake, and sweet brown sugar glaze make it a timeless treat. Dating back to the 1920s, this cake is a true party pleaser, always stealing the show with its stunning look and irresistible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍍 Classic & Timeless – A vintage favorite that never goes out of style.
🍒 Visually Stunning – The glossy, caramelized pineapple and cherries make it a showstopper.
⏳ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
🥄 Versatile – Enjoy it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
✨ Use Real Pineapple Juice – It enhances the flavor without being too sweet.
✨ Caramelize the Butter & Brown Sugar Properly – Stir continuously for a smooth glaze.
✨ Let It Rest Before Flipping – Wait 5-10 minutes before inverting to avoid sticking.
✨ Add a Twist with Cardamom or Cinnamon – A little spice adds depth to the flavor.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 1 large can pineapple slices, drained
- 7-8 maraschino cherries, halved
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from the can, if it’s real juice)
- 4 oz unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Caramelized Topping:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with baking spray.
- In a non-stick pan, melt butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and stir until it bubbles.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange pineapple slices over the caramel and place maraschino cherry halves in the center of each ring.
2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, and applesauce until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the pineapple topping.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Flip & Serve:
- Let the cake rest for 5-10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
🍦 With Vanilla Ice Cream – The warm cake with cold ice cream is heavenly.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A perfect afternoon treat.
🌰 Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer.
🥄 Spiced Twist – Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Why This Cake Will Be a Favorite
This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is simple yet elegant, rich yet light, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, this cake brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to every bite.
🍍 Try it today and enjoy a taste of nostalgia! 🍰