If you’re looking for a dessert that conjures wonderful memories of days gone by, as well as being incredibly delicious. You’ve come to the right place.
This cake is a wonderful yellow butter cake topped with an amazing caramel sauce, pineapples and cherries. It’s as beautiful in presentation as it is in incredible taste.
HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
This cake is truly not difficult to eat. We start by making a simple caramel sauce for the bottom of the pan (which will eventually be the top of the cake)!
Add the pineapple slices, cherries, and then the batter…and bake to perfection!
Watch us show you how to make this classic cake! It’s easy and so much fun!
CANNED OR FRESH PINEAPPLES
You know us, we always encourage you to use the freshest ingredients, and by all means, using fresh pineapple is great. But, we’ve tried it both ways, and fresh can be a bit problematic…there is a lot of water that is released that compromises the cake.
There are adjustments that can be made if you decide to cut up a fresh pineapple, but honestly, getting good quality, canned sliced pineapple, in pineapple juice, yields a wonderful cake, too. (Shhh..maybe even better!).
EXPERT TIP: This classic cake is often made in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. It’s perfect for melting the butter and then pouring the batter and baking. We find once it’s time to invert the cooked cake, however, it is a little challenging. We’ve tested both cast-iron skillets and a 9-inch round (2-inch tall) cake pan, and they both have excellent results. Only difference? The cake pan version is MUCH easier to invert and release the cake. But if you want to keep it old school, go for it! You’ll probably just need an extra pair of hands to help when it’s time to flip the cake.
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE IS DELICIOUS AND IS BEAUTIFUL IN PRESENTATION
The batter for this produces a perfectly moist and flavorful cake for this amazing dessert.
As mentioned, this is a classic yellow butter cake. Which happens to be the perfect match for the gooey caramel and juicy pineapples.
EXPERT TIP: The batter for this cake is somewhat thick. Use a rubber spatula to help gently spread the batter over the pineapples. As the cake bakes, you may see some of the butter bubbling along the edges of the pan. This is okay and is good. It forms an unbelievably delicious, almost candy-like exterior to the edge of the cake that is sublime.
After 45 minutes of baking, the cake will have risen slightly and turned a golden brown.
You may seem a thin layer of butter shimmering on the surface of the cake, this is normal.
EXPERT TIP: Insert a toothpick into the cake once you have reached 45 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter stuck to it, the cake is ready. If there is wet better attached to the toothpick, then the cake needs to go back in for another 5 to 10 minutes.
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE IS A CLASSIC AMERICAN DESSERT
The pineapple upside-down cake was extremely popular back in the 50s and 60s and has seen a major comeback in recent years.
But actually, the cake dates all the way back to the 1800s and the pineapple upside-down cake is just one of numerous classic American cakes that made their place in so many homes across the country. Learn about more about American Cakes Throughout History from PBS.
And lifting the pan away from the inverted cake will make you feel like a rock star in your own kitchen.
If you’re interested in making another incredible American classic dessert, go with one of our favorites: Carrot Cake.
But in the meantime, if you’re looking to impress with a truly delicious and gorgeous cake, you just gotta try this recipe. Serve by the slice and just watch them go!
EXPERT TIP: Though this cake is wonderful at room temperature, there is something extra special when served still warm from baking. Comfort dessert food at its best.
THIS CAKE IS NOT DIFFICULT TO PREPARE
You will be surprised at how easy it is to make this incredible Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake from scratch.
Of course, you could go with a box variety…but why no go a little extra distance and make it completely homemade?
You and your loved ones will enjoy this so much, it will probably become part of your regular dessert recipe rotation. It’s that good!
Ready to impress with one of the best cakes of all time? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a picture, post if on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and hashtag #howtofeedaloon!
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch cake pan with 2-inch side, or 9 or 10-inch cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
FOR THE PINEAPPLE TOPPING
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 8 pineapple rings canned, or fresh
- Maraschino cherries
FOR THE CAKE
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter 1½ sticks, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
MAKE THE TOPPING
- Pour the melted butter into cake pan or skillet.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter and then top with the pineapple slices, then place cherries in the centers of the rings and in the open spaces.
MAKE THE CAKE
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, or a hand mixer with a large bowl, cream the sugar with the butter, by mixing on medium until slightly fluffy and pale in color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
- Whisk in the eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.
- With the mixer running, add half of the flour mixture, once incorporated, add half of the milk. Once incorporated repeat with remaining flour and then milk. Mix until fully combined. The batter will be somewhat thick.
- Use a spatula to help pour the batter into the prepared pan and gently spread over the pineapples and cherries.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when stuck into the center of the cake.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, and then invert the cake on top of a cake stand or serving plate.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Great with ice cream or whipped cream!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in June 2018, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe, with new tips, photography, and a fabulous new video in February 2020!
This was the very first thing I ever learned to bake. The local electric company held a cooking class for 4-H members 70 years ago and we made the recipe in a cast iron skillet. I hadn’t thought of that in years until I happened across your site…which I’m now following.
Hi Karen! So sorry for the delayed response! We are so so happy this pineapple upside-down cake brought wonderful memories! Isn’t wonderful how food can do that? We are thrilled you found us! Please stay in touch! And stay tuned…so much more yumminess on the way! Kris & Wesley
Hello Kris, I just received a 5 1/2 quart Le Creuset Braiser for my birthday and would love to make this wonderful sounding recipe for my mother’s birthday next weekend. Could you tell me if you think a straight doubling of all ingredients would be the right adjustment for your fabulous recipe and new cookware of mine? I appreciate your personalities just as much as your delicious recipes, I’m a FAN! Thank you 🙂
Hi Alexa! That is so wonderful! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! What an amazing gift, too! To be 100% honest, we’ve never baked a cake in a LeCreuset Braiser, but it can be done. You could double the ingredients, but you’ll want to bake the cake at a lower temperature, around 320°F. And you’ll need to bake the cake longer, by possibly another 15 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the cake. You should be just fine! You might try a test run first, but we know that can be costly and produces more cake than you need! Best of luck and please let us know how it all turns out. And have fun!!! Best, Kris & Wesley
I did it! And oh boy, what a success! I will be emailing you a photo of this glorious (and extra large) sumptuous, fabulous creation. Thank you for your recipe, for your kind words to me and for your help in my endeavor. Indeed, a straight double across the board, at 325 for 80 minutes was the perfect advice. I look forward to the next time our paths cross in your comments. Fondly, Alexa.
It looks AMAZING!!! Congrats on creating such a gorgeous cake!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting us know!!! You are the BEST!!! Kris & Wesley
This turned out delicious!!!
Hi Monica!! Woo hoo!!! We are so happy to hear you had such great success with the pineapple upside down cake!! Congratulations!! And thank you so much for letting us know and for the great review! That means the world to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Just made this and it turned out amazing. Pineapple upside down cake is probably my all time favorite cake. It’s always been odd to me that you don’t really see it in restaurants, but I guess to each their own. Still a favorite of mine.
HI Brandi!! We absolutely love pineapple upside-down cake, too!! And we are so happy you had success with the recipe!!! Thank you to the moon and back for letting us know and for the GREAT review!! We really appreciate that so so much!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
This was my very first pineapple upside down cake, both to make and to eat. My goodness, it was perfection!! It was super easy to make, it came out beautiful, and it’s the most delicious cake I think I’ve ever tasted. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Ashlie! You have no idea how happy you just made us!! That is SO AWESOME to hear that you had success major success with the pineapple-upside down cake! That’s one of our all-time favorites and we are so happy you love it, too!! Thank you SO MUCH for letting us know and for the GREAT review! That means the world to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
I made this recipe yesterday and it was a hit with everyone.
Hi Violet! That is so awesome to hear! We’re thrilled you had such success with the cake! And thank you so much for letting us know and for the GREAT review! That means the world to us!!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Has anyone tried this with fresh pineapple?
I have to make this for 55 people at my job so I made a practice one today and it came out great! I’m thinking about making it in a hotel pan but I’m worried about when it comes time to invert the cake if it will come out in one piece… hmmm… I guess I should probably just make 6 or 7 regular sized ones…? Regardless and more importantly, I know it will be delicious! Thanks for the recipe and thanks to the prior people who rated it because that’s what made me choose this recipe!
Hi Matty!! Sorry for the delayed response! The hotel pan could be tricky! The smaller sizes might work better. Let us know how it turns out. We love this cake so much!! Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. All the best, Kris & Wesley
I ended up using 8 small square pans and it turned out perfect! Everyone was impressed ❤️ Wish I could include a photo in this post!
AWESOME!!! Congratulations!! Thanks for letting us know!
I just made it and it is delicious
Awesome! We are so happy you had success with the cake and thank you SO MUCH for letting us know!!!
Fantastic cake recipe ! I did find that I had a ton of extra batter both times making it ! So just made minis with the extras !
Awesome!! Great way to improvise!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting us know!! Stay in touch!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Oh. My. Gosh! How inviting this pineapple cake looks! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! I’m definitely saving the recipe for later.
Thank you so much for sharing this fab idea and all of your precious tips and tricks. Such treasure. I’ll definitely be back for more of your recipes. Your blog is beneficial <3
Best wishes,
Ann
Hi Ann! Please forgive the delayed response! Thank you so much! We do love this pineapple upside-down cake so much! Been a family favorite for years! You blog is beautiful, by the way! We love it! Thanks so much!!! Kris & Wesley
Well it’s in the oven! My friend as been asking me for a while to make her one, so we both have to work midnights tonight, Christmas Eve so I am making to bring to her tonight. Very easy recipe can’t wait to try it.
Hi Janice!! So sorry for the very delayed response!!! So glad you made this cake (one of our all-time favs), and we are really excited to hear how it turned out!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
D Great classic pineapple cake! Great timing! And prompt response..
http://www.deesbakestudio.com
The dressing even satisfied my sweet tooth and I didn’t crave dessert like usual. This will be a staple for me.
This is gorgeous, and sounds delicious!! Always love reading your recipes for inspiration.
Hi Kris! I haven’t seen Pineapple upside-down Cake since I was a child. I loved it! I’m going to a BBQ this Saturday with some (don’t tell anyone I said so) pretty stuck-up friends, and I’m going to bring this along. I bet that my friends will turn up their noses at the fancy catered desserts and gobble this down! LOVE< LOVE< LOVE this post! Thank you!
We LOVE everything about this, Heather!!! You will be the hit of the BBQ, we have no doubt! Please let us know how it turns out and what those ‘stuck-up’ friends think about your beautiful cake!! Love it! xoxo Kris & Wesley
I love pineapple upside down cake! This looks like a perfect recipe for a childhood favorite. Woo hoo!
Update on the BBQ: They loved it! I’m thinking in hind site that I probably should have made 2 cakes as some were looking for seconds. I left with a list of email addresses of those who requested that I forward your recipe. You’re a star! Thanks again for posting this; it really was a treat to be able to share it with these people.
That is such amazing news! Sounds like you were the star of the BBQ! Way to go!! So glad folks loved it. and thank you so much or letting us know, we really do appreciate it. Keep your eyes peeled for more recipes and let us of any others you have success with. xoxo Kris & Wesley
looks delicious! ! I’ll have to try it. Be sure to thank mom again for the inspiration.
Thanks, Geoffrey! I will definitely let her know! And let us know how it turns out!