Moist • Buttery • Caramelized • Classic dessert made easy
This guide breaks everything down so you can follow each step smoothly. Let’s make a beautiful, golden pineapple upside down cake your whole family will love!
🧁 Ingredients
For the Topping
¼ cup butter (melted)
½ cup brown sugar
Pineapple slices (canned or fresh)
Maraschino cherries (optional but classic!)
For the Cake Batter
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
⅓ cup softened butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
🍍 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready.
2. Prep the Topping
This is what creates the golden, caramel pineapple look!
Pour melted butter into a round cake pan.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Arrange pineapple slices on top.
Place cherries in the center of each pineapple ring.
Set the pan aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, add:
Softened butter
Sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and pineapple juice.
Mix until smooth.
Combine:
Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix gently until everything is combined — don’t overmix.
4. Pour Batter Into the Pan
Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple topping.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
5. Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:
A toothpick comes out clean
The top is golden
The cake springs back when touched
6. Let It Cool (Important!)
Let the cake rest for 5 minutes in the pan.
This helps the topping set just right.
7. Flip the Cake!
The fun part:
Place a heat-safe plate over the cake pan.
Flip it in one swift movement.
Lift the pan off.
Your caramelized pineapple topping should be beautifully on top.
🎉 You Did It! Your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Is Ready
Serve warm or at room temperature.
It tastes amazing on its own or with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Extra pineapple slices
⭐ Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Use brown sugar for the richest caramel flavor.
Don’t let the cake cool too long — flipping gets harder.
Add extra pineapple juice for a more tropical taste.
If you want it extra moist, brush a little pineapple juice on top after flipping.
🍰 Fun Variations
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Use a muffin tin — so cute!
Cherry-Pineapple Swirl
Add chopped cherries to the batter.
Coconut Version
Add 2 tablespoons shredded coconut to the batter.
Cinnamon Twist
Mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon into the brown sugar layer.
🌟 Conclusion: Step-by-Step Pineapple Upside Down Cake Success!
This cake looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make. With buttery caramelized pineapple, a soft vanilla cake, and classic cherries, it’s a dessert that always gets compliments.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or fun, this step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a beautiful, delicious cake every time.