Description
This Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a nostalgic dessert that delivers a buttery, moist crumb topped with caramelized pineapple rings and bright maraschino cherries. It’s a beautiful, retro-inspired cake that flips out of the pan with a glossy, golden finish and a tropical flavor burst in every slice. Perfect for quick breakfast treats, easy dinner desserts, or special occasion food ideas, this easy recipe is as stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
7 pineapple rings
7 maraschino cherries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for batter)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and pour in the melted butter and brown sugar mixture. Arrange pineapple rings with a cherry in the center of each.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly over the pineapples and cherries in the prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a serving plate.
9. Let sit briefly, then lift off the pan to reveal the caramelized topping.
Notes
Pat the pineapple slices and cherries dry before arranging to prevent excess moisture.
Invert the cake while it’s still warm to avoid sticking.
Use a light-colored cake pan to prevent over-browning the caramel topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy recipe, pineapple upside down cake, retro dessert, quick breakfast, food ideas