Irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a tender, flavorful cake with a caramelized topping, pineapple slices, and maraschino cherries!
Pineapple upside-down cake is a beloved classic that is popular year-round! The sweet, chewy caramel with the moist cake and the glazed pineapple slices is sure to impress.
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake Ingredients
There are two groups of ingredients for the cake. The first is for the topping, and the second is for the cake.
Caramelized Topping
- Butter: You’ll need melted butter in both the topping and the cake. The butter and brown sugar combine to make the caramel topping.
- Brown Sugar: We used brown sugar because it adds to the caramel flavor and works perfectly to make the topping.
- Pineapple Rings: The pineapple rings and slices are used to decorate the top of the cake. You can also use crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits if you prefer.
- Maraschino Cherries: The drained, stemless maraschino cherries are added as a pop of color to the cake.
Pineapple Cake Ingredients
- Eggs: You’ll need three large eggs for this recipe. Separate the eggs into two bowls; one for the yolks and one for the egg whites.
- Cake Mix: We used a yellow cake mix but other flavors such as white or spice work too!
- Pineapple Juice & Water: Reserve the pineapple juice from the can of pineapple rings. Then, add enough water to make 1 cup of liquid in total.
- Butter: Rather than using the oil called for on the cake mix box, use melted butter for superior flavor.
- Vanilla: We added vanilla extract to make the cake a little more special.
- Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon is the perfect addition to this pineapple upside down cake.
How To Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A pineapple upside down cake is so fun to make because it is baked upside down and flipped over after baking to reveal the gorgeous top!
Caramelized Topping: Spread the combined butter and brown sugar out in a greased 12-inch cast iron skillet (or use a 9×13-inch pan). Then, put a pineapple ring in the center and the sliced pineapple rings around it. Next, place a maraschino cherry in the hole of each slice of pineapple.
Pineapple Cake: Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and then add the cake mix, pineapple juice, water, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites and spoon the batter over the pineapples in the skillet.
Bake: Bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for about five minutes, and then flip it over onto a cutting board or large platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either too much liquid was added (make sure you drain the pineapple), or you didn’t bake the cake long enough.
Be sure to start with a greased pan! After allowing the cake to cool for five minutes, place a cutting board (or large platter) over the top of the cast iron skillet. With one hand on the hand of the skillet and the other on the cutting board, flip both over in one fluid motion.
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Pineapple Topping:
- ⅔ cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6-8 pineapple rings
- 10-12 maraschino cherries
Cake:
- 3 large eggs room temperature and separated
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup pineapple juice reserved from can
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Mix together the melted butter and brown sugar. Spread in a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or a 9×13 inch pan).
- Place one pineapple ring in the center. Cut the remaining pineapple rings in half (or leave whole) and arrange around the middle one. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice. Set aside.
- Beat the egg yolks. Add the cake mix, pineapple juice, water, and melted butter. Beat for two minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the cake batter. Spoon the batter over the pineapples in the pan.
- Bake at 350˚F for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then invert onto a serving platter or cutting board.
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