Description
A classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake featuring a moist, buttery vanilla cake topped with caramelized brown sugar, golden pineapple rings, and bright cherries. This nostalgic dessert is simple to make, beautifully presented, and perfect for gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
7–8 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
7–8 fresh pitted cherries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- Arrange the pineapple rings over the brown sugar layer and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Fill any empty spaces with extra cherries and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and pineapple juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined without overmixing.
- Spread the batter evenly over the pineapple layer in the pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Grease the pan well to prevent sticking and allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting.
Fresh pineapple can be used; slice evenly and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
