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pineapple upside down cake A close-up shot of a slice of pineapple upside-down cheesecake. The cheesecake is rich and creamy, topped with caramelized pineapple slices and bright red maraschino cherries. The golden crust adds a nice contrast to the smooth cheesecake filling.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A golden, buttery Pineapple Upside Down Cake with caramelized fruit that feels nostalgic and celebratory in every slice.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Classic
Keyword: pineapple cake, pineapple upside down cake, retro dessert, vintage baking
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 360kcal
Cost: $15

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted (used for topping base and richness)
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar packed (adds caramel depth for topping)
  • 10–12 pineapple slices blotted dry to prevent excess moisture
  • 18–22 maraschino cherries stems removed and patted dry
  • 1 ¾ cups cake flour spooned and leveled for light texture
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder ensures proper rise
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda balances acidity
  • ¾ teaspoon salt enhances overall flavor
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (provides tender crumb)
  • ⅞ cup granulated sugar sweetens the batter evenly
  • 3 large egg whites room temperature for smooth mixing
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream adds moisture and softness
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract boosts aroma and flavor
  • ⅓ cup pineapple juice room temperature for blending
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk keeps batter fluid and tender

Instructions

  • Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
  • Pour the melted butter into the bottom of an ungreased round cake pan and tilt to coat evenly, then sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter in an even layer.
    A beautiful arrangement of pineapple slices and bright red maraschino cherries in a circular pattern, set in a glass baking dish. The pineapple rings form a perfect circle with cherries in the center, creating a vibrant and inviting look.
  • Gently pat the pineapple slices and cherries dry, then arrange them decoratively over the sugar layer, pressing lightly so they stay in place.
    A close-up of a glass baking dish filled with a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar. The sugar is sprinkled on top, with a rich caramelized texture forming at the bottom, setting the stage for a classic pineapple upside-down cake.
  • Place the prepared pan in the refrigerator briefly while the batter is prepared to help firm the topping.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  • Using a mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.
  • Mix in the egg whites until incorporated, followed by the sour cream and vanilla, blending until smooth.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the bowl, then mix on low speed while slowly pouring in the pineapple juice and milk, stopping once just combined.
  • Remove the pan from the refrigerator and gently spread the batter evenly over the fruit layer.
    A smooth, creamy layer of cake batter spread evenly over pineapple slices and cherries in a glass baking dish. The batter looks soft and velvety, ready to be baked into a delicious pineapple upside-down cake
  • Bake the cake, loosely tenting with foil halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
    A golden-brown, freshly baked pineapple upside-down cake in a glass baking dish. The top is slightly crispy, and the edges of the pineapple are caramelized, creating a perfectly baked dessert.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing for the cleanest presentation.

Notes

This pineapple upside-down cake is all about warm memories, sticky-sweet fruit, and that magical moment when the pan is flipped. It’s a timeless dessert that feels just as special for holidays as it does for an everyday treat.

Nutrition

Serving: 120g | Calories: 360kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 16g (25%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 55mg (18%) | Sodium: 210mg (9%) | Potassium: 180mg (5%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 32g (36%) | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 6mg (1%) | Iron: 6mg (33%)
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