This easy pineapple upside down cake is the perfect dish that will impress your family and friends! This classic dessert is the perfect combination of buttery, gooey, and tender cake with pieces of sweet fruit, and an amazing brown sugar sauce. It is super easy to make, and sure to be a hit! Plus, it doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece for any party.

HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

With grad party and wedding/baby shower season in full swing, it’s always good to have some fancy dessert recipes up your sleeve. This pineapple upside down cake will not disappoint! 

I love how the sweet cherries not only add sweetness, but bright pops of color to this classic, decadent cake.

THIS PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE RECIPE: 

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients – Pineapple Upside Down Cake 

Topping:

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, reserve juice for cake
• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries without stems

Cake:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• A large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup pineapple juice 

Instructions – Pineapple Upside Down Cake 

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Next, grease a round 9 inch cake pan.

Step 3

For the topping: melt butter in a microwave safe bowl and stir in brown sugar until smooth.

Step 4

Then, melted butter mixture into prepared pan. 

Step 5

Next, arrange pineapple rings in the brown sugar mixture and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

Step 6

For the batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.

Step 7

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

Step 8

Then, beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Step 9

Add sour cream until well combined.

Step 10

Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with pineapple juice and mix just until combined.

Step 11

Next, spoon the cake batter over the pineapple rings and spread evenly.

Step 12

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 13

Remove from oven to cool on wire rack for 5 minutes.

Step 14

Place a plate or serving platter on top of cake and flip over.

Step 15

Patiently wait 30-60 seconds for the cake to loosen and then carefully lift off the pan.

Step 16

Let cool completely and serve with whip cream if you like.

HOW TO STORE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE 

Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge, to keep it fresh! 

Notes:

You can use fresh pineapple if you want, but you’ll still need fresh pineapple. You can also use yellow cake mix if you don’t want to make your own batter. Duncan Hines also has a pineapple upside down cake mix.

To serve this cake upside down, make sure you let it cool before turning over. If any of the fruit comes off the top of the cake you can just put it back on. No one will know!

Make sure you use brown sugar, white sugar won’t taste as well. It won’t have that caramel note. Light brown sugar is good, but I prefer dark brown sugar best.

This impressive dessert is so easy to make.

CAN YOU FREEZE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE? 

Yes! 

Make sure it’s reached room temperature, and properly sealed to keep air out, and then it can be frozen for up to three months. 

HOW LONG DOES PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE LAST? 

In my house? A day, ha! 

Store your pineapple upside down cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE 

The only change you need to make from the recipe above, is replacing the all-purpose flour with gluten free all-purpose flour! 

If you are cooking for someone with a gluten allergy or sensitivity, always double check the label of any pre-packaged ingredients to be sure they are free of wheat and gluten.

EASY CAKE RECIPES FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG

If this easy pineapple upside down cake recipe has got your sweet tooth craving more, we have so many delicious cake recipes that are simple to make! 

• If you’re craving something sweet, but are short on time, this 2-minute hot chocolate mug cake recipe is perfect! 
• Celebrate Independence Day the yummy way with easy & delicious 4th of July cupcakes!
• I love that you can make this Jello Poke Cake recipe work for any holiday, simply by switching out the color of Jello! 
• If you find yourself saddled with a ton of zucchini this summer, make this AMAZING zucchini cake! 
• Tres leche cake is SO incredibly rich and delicious (and a lot easier to make than it might sound)!
• Doctor up your boxed cake mixes with these easy tips, and no one will ever guess that it’s not homemade! 
• You will love these epic baking hacks!
• You have to try these delicious Mardi Gras cake ideas!

What did you think of this easy pineapple upside down cake recipe?