Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert made with caramelized brown sugar, juicy pineapple slices, and a soft buttery cake. Baked upside down and flipped after baking, it creates a beautiful golden topping that tastes as good as it looks.

This easy homemade pineapple upside down cake recipe is moist, simple to make, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want an old-fashioned crowd-pleasing dessert.

Pineapple upside down cake feature image.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Moist and buttery cake with a hint of vanilla.
  • Caramelized pineapple topping adds natural sweetness.
  • Perfect balance of flavors from brown sugar, butter, and a soft cake base.
  • Simple, easy-to-follow recipe with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Watch Me Make This Cake!

Youtube video

Ingredients You’ll Need

  1. Brown Sugar – Creates the rich caramelized topping.
  2. Pineapple Slices – Use canned or fresh. Pat dry first.
  3. Butter – Adds richness and flavor.
  4. Eggs – Provide structure and moisture to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and fluffy.
  5. Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Showing freshly baked pineapple up side down cake.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Prepare caramel layer with butter and brown sugar. Arrange pineapple slices in pan.

Distributing Brown sugar over the butter.
Arranging pineapple slices over brown sugar.

1 . Make batter by creaming butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients.

Creaming butter and sugar.
Adding egg to butter mixture.
Adding vinegar to milk.
Mixing dry ingredients.
Mixing flour with wet ingredients.
Adding milk to cake batter.

2. Pour batter over pineapple layer.

Pouring cake batter over th epineapple slices.
Running butter knife through cake batter.

3. Bake until golden and center tests clean. Cool briefly, then flip onto serving plate.

Freshly baked pineapple upside down cake just out of oven.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  • Run a butter knife around the edges of the cake. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully flip it over.
  • Allow the cake to rest for another 1 minute before lifting the pan.
Close up image of pineapple upside down cake showing tender crumbs.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking for even heat distribution.
  • Use room-temperature eggs and butter to achieve a smooth batter.
  • Do not open the oven door for the first 10 minutes to ensure proper rising.
  • Let the cake rest before flipping to prevent breaking.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Dry the pineapple slices if using canned fruit to avoid excess moisture.

What to Serve with Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Serve warm with coffee or tea
  • Top with vanilla ice cream
  • Add whipped cream and berries
  • Drizzle with Caramel Sauce .
A slice of tender vanilla cake topped with caramel and pineapple slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just pat slices dry first.

Why did my cake stick?

Let it rest 5 minutes, then loosen edges before flipping.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, bake a day ahead and cover tightly.

Can I freeze pineapple upside down cake?

Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze.

This nostalgic pineapple upside down cake is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing.

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Pineapple upside down cake feature image.
Print

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple upside down cake is the best way to enjoy eating pineapple. This cake has everything a cake lover looks for. It’s moist, easy to make,buttery, and gorgeous,
Course Cake
Cuisine American
Dish: pineapple upside down cake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 Slices
Author Muna Kenny

Ingredients

FOR THE CARAMEL LAYER

  • 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 8 slices of pineapples core removed

FOR THE CAKE BATTER

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1 /2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup fine sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoon oil
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

FOR THE CARAMEL

  • Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle brown sugar to cover the bottom of the baking pan and gently press it with your hand.
  • Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar any way you like. Set aside.

MAKING THE CAKE

  • In a medium bowl, add the butter, sugar, and oil, and beat for two minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for two minutes after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat for another two minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix the milk with white vinegar and set aside.
  • In a sifter, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  • Add half of the flour to the wet mixture and mix gently for a few seconds. Then, add the remaining flour and mix gently for a few more seconds.
  • Pour the milk over the batter and mix gently for a few seconds to combine.
  • Carefully pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Tap the pan twice on a working surface to release any air bubbles in the batter and run a butter knife in a zigzag pattern through the batter, making sure not to reach the pineapple layer.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the baking pan for 5 minutes, then flip it onto a serving plate.
  • This cake can be served warm.

Notes

  • Preheat the oven 30 minutes before using.
  • Place the cake in the middle shelf.
  • Do not open the oven door in the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • Do not try to flip the cake immediately after taking it out of the oven. It might break.
  • Overmixing the cake batter will make the cake tough and dry.
  • You can use fresh or canned pineapples. In both cases, pat the slices dry before arranging them on the brown sugar.
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