The Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake? This isn’t just any cake—it’s a showstopper. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of moist, buttery cake with perfectly caramelized pineapples on top, all balanced with a hint of vanilla and brown sugar. Every bite is like a little piece of heaven, and the best part? It’s so easy to make. Trust me, this one is a game-changer! It’s a treat that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, and maybe even the recipe. Get ready for a delightful combination of sweetness, tanginess, and a bit of nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love The Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering, a birthday, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits every moment.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard to resist the charm of this old-school dessert. Sweet, juicy pineapple and a rich, buttery cake? Yes, please.
Simple Ingredients: The beauty of this cake is that it’s made with pantry staples—no need for fancy, hard-to-find items.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it ahead of time and simply flip it over before serving, making it perfect for busy days or parties.
Timeless Flavor: It’s a classic that never goes out of style. The combination of caramelized pineapple and rich cake is as irresistible as ever.

Ingredients

Let’s break it down. It’s all about that perfect balance of sweetness and richness!

Pineapple Rings

The star of the show! Pineapple rings add a beautiful caramelized sweetness when baked, plus a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Brown Sugar

For that rich, caramel-like flavor that makes the pineapple layer so irresistible. It creates the perfect glaze when it melts.

Butter

Because everything’s better with butter! It gives the cake its moist, tender texture and rich flavor.

Flour

All-purpose flour creates the perfect crumb in this cake—light, fluffy, and just right.

Baking Powder

For lift and fluffiness. This is what helps your cake rise to perfection.

Eggs

The binding ingredient that makes the cake moist and fluffy, creating that soft texture we all love.

Vanilla Extract

A dash of vanilla for that comforting, familiar flavor that makes the cake taste homemade.

Milk

Adds moisture and gives the cake its tender crumb.

Salt

Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Layer

In the bottom of your prepared pan, melt butter over low heat. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter, then arrange the pineapple rings on top. You can even tuck a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring for a pop of color and extra sweetness.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Pineapple

Carefully pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly; it will spread out as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Let It Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the caramelized pineapple layer to set, making it easier to flip.

Step 7: Flip and Serve

Carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then place a serving plate over the pan and flip it over. Gently lift the pan off, revealing the perfectly caramelized pineapple.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up! This cake is best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve The Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

With Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy whipped cream adds the perfect contrast to the rich, buttery cake.
With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the ultimate pairing for this tropical treat.
With Coffee or Tea: It makes for a delightful afternoon treat with your favorite hot drink.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper ensures the cake doesn’t stick.
Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pineapple if you can. Canned pineapple works too if you’re in a pinch.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to add a little more or less sugar depending on your preference.
Serving Idea: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day or two in advance, then flip and serve when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze this cake?
Definitely! Freeze the cake after it’s cooled, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Q3: What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
You can use a square or rectangular pan as long as the pineapple fits and the batter can spread evenly.

Q4: Can I use a different fruit?
Sure! While pineapple is traditional, peaches or cherries would work great for a twist.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q6: How do I reheat the cake?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

Q8: Can I add nuts to this cake?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Just sprinkle them over the pineapple layer before adding the batter.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve it on a beautiful platter with a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Q10: What other toppings would work well?
Try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—The Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! Moist, buttery, and packed with tropical flavors, this dessert will have everyone talking. Whether it’s a treat for yourself or a showstopper at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Go ahead, take a bite, and let the flavor take you straight to paradise!

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