Sun-Kissed Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet, golden caramelized pineapple slices nestled in a buttery pineapple upside down cake recipe create a dessert that whispers tropical dreams.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic treat with its rich, moist texture and stunning presentation.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and indulgence, promising a moment of pure culinary bliss.

The combination of juicy pineapple rings and tender cake brings warmth to any gathering.

Warm, gooey caramel mingles with soft cake crumb, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Vibrant and nostalgic, this dessert delivers comfort in every single bite.

You won’t be able to resist the temptation of this irresistible sweet masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 306 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Softened Butter: Creamy foundation that ensures tender, moist cake texture with rich flavor.
• Golden Caster Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Self-Raising Flour: Provides essential lift and soft crumb for perfect cake consistency.
• Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agent that helps cake rise evenly and remain light.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic undertones.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the cake batter.

• Pineapple Rings: Tangy fruit that delivers tropical sweetness and beautiful visual presentation.
• Glacé Cherries: Adds vibrant color and classic decorative touch to the cake surface.
• Light Soft Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized layer with deep, molasses-like sweetness.

• Pineapple Syrup: Intensifies moisture and adds extra fruity punch to the cake batter.

Tools to Bake Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• 20cm round cake tin: Essential for creating the perfect pineapple upside down cake shape.
• Electric whisk: Helps blend ingredients quickly and creates a smooth, creamy batter.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake ingredients and mixing the batter.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the buttery caramel topping.
• Skewer or toothpick: Helps check if the cake is fully baked by testing the center.
• Serving plate: Used for turning out and presenting the finished cake.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading batter evenly and smoothing the top of the cake.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Topping Preparation

Create a smooth blend of butter and brown sugar, spreading it carefully along the cake tin’s bottom and sides. Artfully arrange pineapple rings with cherries nestled in their centers.

• Batter Creation

Mix butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla, and eggs into a silky mixture. Incorporate a splash of pineapple syrup for extra moisture and tropical flair.

• Baking Magic

Gently transfer batter over the pineapple arrangement, ensuring an even surface. Slide the tin into a warm oven, allowing the cake to transform into a golden delight for about 35 minutes.

• Presentation and Enjoyment

After a brief cooling moment, gracefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. The pineapple rings will create a stunning caramelized topping. Complement with a scoop of creamy ice cream and savor each delectable bite.

Recipe Variations for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Pineapple Caramelization Pro Tip: Gently press glacé cherries into pineapple rings to create a stunning visual pattern that looks professional and appetizing.
• Flour Power Swap: Replace self-raising flour with all-purpose flour and add an extra 1½ teaspoons of baking powder for consistent cake texture and rise.
• Tropical Flavor Boost: Experiment with different fruit combinations like adding sliced mango or mandarin oranges alongside pineapple for a vibrant twist on the classic recipe.
• Moisture Magic Trick: Brush additional pineapple syrup over the cake after turning it out to enhance moisture and intensify the fruity flavor profile.
• Storage Secret: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness – simply reheat briefly in the microwave before serving to restore its soft, warm texture.

Serving Tips for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Tropical Island Escape: Pair your pineapple upside down cake with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a dreamy island-inspired dessert that transports you to a sunny beach vacation.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the cake into elegant wedges and serve alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated and comforting afternoon treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
• Decadent Dessert Transformation: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake just before serving, adding an extra layer of richness that complements the sweet pineapple and buttery cake base, making each bite a luxurious experience.
• Breakfast Twist: Enjoy a slice with a morning coffee for a sweet start to your day, turning this classic dessert into a indulgent breakfast option that feels like a special morning treat.

Save Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Later

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Chilled Delight Strategy: Refrigerate cake for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying and preserve flavor intensity.
• Freezing Technique: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each separately in plastic and aluminum foil, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Quick Serving Hack: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore soft texture and enhance caramelized pineapple flavor. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Mouthwatering Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic pineapple upside down cake delivers sweet nostalgia with caramelized fruit and tender crumb. Buttery layers meld tropical flavors, creating a dessert perfect for family gatherings and special moments you’ll savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 pineapple rings (in syrup, drained and syrup reserved)
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) self-raising flour
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) softened butter
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) golden caster sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps reserved pineapple syrup
• 50 grams (1.75 oz) softened butter
• 50 grams (1.75 oz) light soft brown sugar
• 7 glacé cherries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Caramel Base Preparation: Lavishly coat the cake tin’s base and sides with a blend of softened butter and light brown sugar, crafting a decadent caramel foundation that will transform into a glossy topping.
2. Fruit Arrangement: Position whole pineapple rings across the sugared surface, strategically placing glacé cherries in each ring’s center to create an eye-catching, symmetrical design.
3. Batter Creation: Whisk together butter, golden caster sugar, self-raising flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture achieves a luxurious, smooth texture with no lumps, incorporating reserved pineapple syrup for enhanced moisture and tropical depth.
4. Assembly and Baking: Delicately pour the batter over the fruit layer, ensuring even distribution with a spatula, then transfer to a preheated oven and bake until the cake develops a golden-brown exterior and springs back when lightly touched.
5. Cooling and Presentation: Allow the cake to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then confidently invert onto a serving plate to showcase the caramelized pineapple topping, revealing a stunning culinary masterpiece that can be enjoyed warm, potentially accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Prepare Caramel Base Carefully: Use softened butter and light brown sugar to create a smooth, even layer that prevents sticking and ensures perfect caramelization.
• Arrange Pineapple Strategically: Place rings and cherries with precision to create an appealing visual pattern that remains intact after inverting the cake.
• Check Moisture Balance: Add reserved pineapple syrup sparingly to enhance flavor without making the batter too wet, which could compromise the cake’s texture.
• Master Inverting Technique: Allow cake to cool slightly before flipping to prevent breaking and ensure the caramel topping remains perfectly attached to the cake surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 306
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg