Description
Moist, sweet, and glowing with caramelized pineapple rings and vibrant cherries, this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a retro dessert that never goes out of style. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for parties, holiday dinners, or casual sweet cravings. With pantry-staple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s one of those food ideas that feels nostalgic yet still trendy. Whether you’re browsing for quick breakfast ideas, a healthy snack alternative, or just love reliable dessert recipes, this one delivers old-school flavor with a wow-factor finish.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
7 canned pineapple slices
7 maraschino cherries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round cake pan, pour in the melted 1/4 cup butter and evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over it. Arrange pineapple slices in a circular pattern, with one in the center and six around it. Place a cherry in each center.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Pour batter over fruit in the cake pan. Smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a serving plate. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Be sure to pat your pineapple slices dry to avoid a soggy cake.
Don’t skip the cooling time before flipping – this helps release the cake cleanly.
Use a serrated knife for clean slices through fruit and cake layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: classic pineapple upside down cake, retro dessert, easy recipe, food ideas, sweet treat