Thereβs something utterly enchanting about the sight of an upside down pineapple cake. Itβs like a tropical vacation for your taste buds, with caramelized pineapples glistening atop a fluffy sponge, invitingly beckoning you to take a bite. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, conjuring images of sun-soaked beaches and swaying palm trees. You can almost hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance as you prepare this delightful treat.
Now, let me tell you, every time I whip up an upside down pineapple cake, it transports me back to my grandmaβs kitchen, where laughter echoed alongside the sweet scent of baking. It was our go-to dessert for family gatherings, and the anticipation of that first slice was palpable. Whether itβs a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, thereβs never a wrong time for this cake. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you reminiscing about sunny days and good times.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This upside down pineapple cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile creates a delightful balance that pleases the palate
- The golden caramelized pineapple adds stunning visual appeal to your dessert table
- Versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy as a weekday treat with coffee
I once made this cake for my best friendβs birthday party, and everyone went bananas over itβliterally! They couldnβt get enough of that luscious pineapple goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Pineapple: Choose ripe pineapples with a sweet aroma; they work magic in this cake.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and fluffy texture.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for both the batter and caramelizing the pineapple.
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All-Purpose Flour: For structure; sifted flour helps create a light and airy cake.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully.
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Eggs: Use large eggs, as they provide moisture and richness to the batter.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a round cake pan with butter so nothing sticks during baking.
Carmelize the Pineapples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved before placing pineapple rings in to soak up all that goodness.
Create the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in sifted flour mixed with baking powder into the butter mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
Combine Layers**: Pour batter over caramelized pineapples in prepared pan. Smooth out evenly using a spatula before popping it into your preheated oven.
Bake Until Perfect**: Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean; your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Let this nostalgic treat cool slightly before flipping it onto your serving plate; trust meβthe moment will be pure magic as those caramelized pineapples tumble down onto their new throne! Enjoy your delightful upside down pineapple cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice creamβif youβre feeling extra indulgentβand prepare for compliments all around!
You Must Know
- Upside down pineapple cake is a classic dessert that surprises with its caramelized pineapple topping and moist cake
- Itβs a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, and makes your kitchen smell heavenly while baking
- Donβt skip the cherries; they add a touch of nostalgia!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Prepare the caramel sauce first to ensure itβs warm when you pour it over the pineapples. Then, mix your batter while the sauce cools slightly. Pour the batter directly into the prepared pan to achieve that lovely upside-down effect.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh pineapples for canned ones if youβre in a pinch. You can also use brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor. Adding chopped nuts or coconut can give your cake an unexpected twist that friends will rave about!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover upside down pineapple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them gently in the oven at 300Β°F (150Β°C) until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure your pineapple is well-drained before layering it in the pan
- For extra moisture, replace some flour with crushed pineapple puree
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise
Baking this upside down pineapple cake reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and sweet treats were shared. The compliments from friends never get old, and I still cherish those moments when we devoured every last crumb.
FAQ
What type of pan is best for upside down pineapple cake?
A round cake pan with straight edges works best for even cooking and easy serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day before serving; just cover it tightly.
How do I prevent sticking when flipping the cake?
Use parchment paper on the bottom of your pan; it helps maintain shape and prevents sticking.
Upside Down Pineapple Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the tropical delight of Upside Down Pineapple Cake, where caramelized pineapples crown a fluffy sponge cake. This nostalgic dessert evokes memories of family gatherings and sunny days, making it perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, every slice promises a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a round cake pan with butter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar until dissolved. Arrange pineapple rings in the skillet to soak up the caramel.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the remaining butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in sifted flour mixed with baking powder until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter over the caramelized pineapples in the prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before flipping onto a serving plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute some white sugar with brown sugar when preparing the batter. Feel free to incorporate chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an unexpected twist. To avoid sogginess, ensure the pineapple is well-drained if using canned.



