This classic dessert looks fancy, tastes amazing, and comes together way faster than most cakes. You can make it in under 10 minutes of prep time using simple pantry ingredients. The result? A moist, buttery cake topped with caramelized pineapple slices and a pop of cherry color.
Let’s get baking!
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
Pineapple slices (canned or fresh)
Maraschino cherries (optional but classic)
For the Cake Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Everything is simple and easy to find!
🍰 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Caramelized Topping
In a small oven-safe pan or cake pan:
Melt 3 tablespoons butter.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
Arrange pineapple slices on top.
Add cherries in the center of each ring if you want the classic look.
This creates the shiny, sweet topping when the cake flips over.
3. Mix the Cake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Then add:
Milk
Egg
Melted butter
Vanilla
Mix until smooth—no electric mixer needed!
4. Pour Batter Over the Pineapple Layer
Spread it gently so you don’t move the pineapples around.
5. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Flip It!
This is the fun part:
Let the cake cool for 5 minutes in the pan.
Place a plate over the top.
Carefully flip it upside-down.
Lift the pan straight up.
The caramelized pineapple topping should be beautifully on top!
⭐ Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Use canned pineapple for the fastest version.
If the top looks pale after flipping, broil the cake for 1 minute in the pan before flipping.
Don’t skip the cherries—they add a classic pop of color.
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape.
Want more moisture? Drizzle 1 tablespoon pineapple juice over the cake after flipping.
🍍 Quick Variations
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Use a muffin pan!
Bake for 15–18 minutes.
Crumble Version
Sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) over the brown sugar layer.
Extra-Soft Cake
Swap milk for buttermilk to add tang and fluffiness.
🎉 Why This Works for a Fast Dessert
This Homemade pineapple upside down cake recipe in minutes! is quick because:
The topping melts right in the pan—no extra dishes.
The batter uses simple pantry ingredients.
The bake time is short because the cake is not too thick.
It’s one of the easiest “impressive” desserts you can make.