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Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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A classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake with golden caramelized pineapple topping, maraschino cherries, and a moist, tender vanilla cake base. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 8-10 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, blotted dry)
  • 8-10 maraschino cherries
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour (sifted)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for batter), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 1/4 cup butter and pour into a 9-inch metal cake pan. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.
  2. Arrange pineapple rings over the sugar mixture, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Spread batter evenly over the pineapple layer.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake rest for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Blot pineapple rings with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
  • Use a 9-inch metal pan for best caramelization.
  • Fresh pineapple adds a slightly tart flavor; canned is more consistent.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the crumb tender.
  • Allow cake to rest before flipping for a clean release.

Nutrition