Easy Peasy Pineapple Upside Down Cake No Fuss Just Delicious

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe Easy Peasy Delicious

By Lila BeaumontSeptember 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of sunshine on a plate? Ever wondered what to do with that tinned pineapple lurking in the cupboard? This pineapple upside down cake recipe is your answer! It is packed with that tangy sweetness, and totally irresistible.

Brief Overview

The pineapple upside down cake is a true retro dessert recipe , like stepping back into your nan's kitchen! It is super easy, and takes about an hour from start to finish.

This recipe makes about 8 slices of pure joy.

Main Benefits

Honestly, one of the best things about this cake is how moist it is! Plus, pineapple is full of Vitamin C.

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon, it is guaranteed to become a family favourite! What sets this caramelized pineapple cake apart? The perfect balance of tangy fruit and buttery sponge, of course!

Right, then, let's get started with the ingredients.

The Star of the Show: Pineapple Topping

To make this easy pineapple upside down cake , you will need the goods to nail the topping! Get yourself 113g of melted unsalted butter.

Then sprinkle over 150g of light brown sugar. Don't be shy, now! Next, 567g can of pineapple rings, drained and halved maraschino cherries.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Cake Batter Basics

For the cake, gather 192g of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cream together 113g of softened butter with 150g of granulated sugar.

Crack in two large eggs, add a splash of vanilla extract, and finally 120ml of the reserved pineapple juice. Easy peasy, right?

Putting It All Together

Right, so oven to 175° C ( 350° F). Now, grab a 9 inch cake tin. Grease it and then dust it with flour to stop the cake sticking.

Pour that buttery, sugary caramel into the tin. Make sure you cover it all properly. Then, arrange the pineapple rings prettily on top! Pop a cherry in the middle of each ring for that classic upside down cake with maraschino cherries look.

Pour over the cake batter, then straight into the oven. Bake for 40- 45 minutes.

Once baked, give it ten minutes to cool before flipping it onto a plate. Serve it warm with a dollop of ice cream. Honestly, it is proper lush!

Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking on with Our Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. You can't make a belting pineapple upside down cake easy without having the right bits and bobs.

I am so excited to show you how to make the best caramelized pineapple cake ever! Honestly, this moist pineapple cake recipe is easier than you think.

It’s really about getting the basics right.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need for this cracking pineapple upside down cake from scratch :

For the Scrumptious Topping:

113g (½ cup/1 stick) unsalted butter, melted. Make sure it's properly melted, yeah? No lumps!
150g (¾ cup) light brown sugar, firmly packed. Go for dark if you like a richer caramel flavour. It really will spice it up.
567g (20 ounce) can of pineapple rings, drained. Keep that juice, though! We need it later. You know sometimes, these tinned pineapple recipes can be proper winners.
Approximately ½ cup halved maraschino cherries. Honestly, these are a bit retro, aren't they? You can skip them if you fancy. The classic upside down cake with maraschino cherries is worth making though.

For the Cakey Goodness:

192g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour. Plain flour will do the trick.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
¼ teaspoon salt.
113g (½ cup/1 stick) unsalted butter, softened. Must be softened, or you'll have a nightmare creaming it.
150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar.
2 large eggs.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
120ml (½ cup) reserved pineapple juice or milk. Use milk if you're short on juice. No worries if you are.

For quality indicators , the pineapple rings should be a lovely golden colour. The butter needs to be a nice creamy yellow.

If you're after pineapple dessert ideas this might just be your next favourite.

Seasoning Notes: Give it Some Zing!

For the proper flavour profile:

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter will give a warming hug. These spices are a part of the secret for easy dessert recipes.
Vanilla extract is a must. It enhances all the other flavours.

If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of rum extract can be used instead of vanilla. It will give it the perfect Caribbean flavour.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!

No need to get the fancy kit out:

9 inch round cake pan . Essential!
Mixing bowls. A couple should do it.
Electric mixer. Handheld or stand mixer, doesn't matter. You can even use a wooden spoon if you're feeling strong.
Rubber spatula.
Measuring cups and spoons.

Got a frying pan that can go in the oven? You can use that instead of a cake pan! See? Pineapple cake variations are always possible.

I learned how to make this while looking through my grandmother's retro dessert recipes .

Cooking Method: The Secret to a Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Honestly, who doesn't love a pineapple upside down cake recipe ? It's a bit retro, I know, but that's part of its charm! Plus, it's one of those easy dessert recipes that always impresses.

The key? Mastering the caramelization process. Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is essential . Melt that ½ cup ( 113g ) of butter for the topping, and measure out all your other ingredients.

Pat the pineapple rings dry, or your caramelized pineapple cake could end up soggy. No one wants that! Oh my gosh! Grease and flour that 9 inch round cake pan, or prepare to weep when your cake sticks.

step-by-step Process: Cake Magic

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Melt ½ cup ( 113g ) butter in the pan, sprinkle with ¾ cup ( 150g ) brown sugar.
Arrange pineapple rings and halved maraschino cherries on top.
Make your cake batter.
Pour batter over the pineapple.
Bake for 40- 45 minutes .
Cool for 10 minutes , then invert!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cake Game

Want a moist pineapple cake recipe ? Don't overbake it! Insert a skewer; it should come out clean. Cooling for exactly 10 minutes before inverting is crucial.

Longer, and the topping sticks! Use fresh pineapple if you like for another of the pineapple cake variations , but ensure it is cored and well dried!

Recipe Notes: Tweak Your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe !

Want to take your pineapple upside down cake easy up a notch? You've come to the right place! Let's chat about serving ideas, storage, swaps, and a bit about what makes this cake so yummy.

Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Pairings

Right, so your caramelized pineapple cake is out of the oven. Now what? Don't just slap it on a plate! Think presentation , darling.

Slice a generous wedge. Add a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream. Or maybe a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Fancy, eh?

For drinks, a classic pineapple cake variations pairing is a simple cup of tea. Earl Grey? Perfection. If you're feeling a bit naughty, a light rum cocktail complements the tinned pineapple recipes sweetness brilliantly.

I once served this with a sparkling rosé at a garden party. Huge hit!

Storing Your Sweet Treat: Keep It Fresh!

Honestly, this moist pineapple cake recipe rarely lasts long in my house. But if you do have leftovers, here's the drill.

Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it well, or pop it in an airtight container.

The cold air does dry it a bit. But a quick zap in the microwave will bring it back to life.

Freezing pineapple dessert ideas ? Sure, you can. Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then foil. It'll keep for up to a month.

Just thaw completely before serving. Reheating isn't really needed, tastes great as a summer snack.

Remix Time: Recipe Variations & Dietary Swaps

Fancy a change? Let's talk variations.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter. Then swap the pineapple upside down cake from scratch called for milk for almond or oat milk. Easy peasy.

For a seasonal twist, think about swapping some upside down cake with maraschino cherries for other stone fruits. Peaches would be lovely.

Or even plums in autumn. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, you know?

Nutrition Nitty Gritty: The Good Bits

Okay, let's be real. This easy dessert recipes isn't exactly health food. But a little treat never hurt anyone. One slice gives you energy from carbs and a bit of goodness from the pineapple.

Remember, enjoy it in moderation. And maybe go for a walk afterwards. Balance, right?

So there you have it! All my tips and tricks for making the perfect pineapple upside down cake . Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my pineapple upside down cake recipe stick to the pan when I tried to flip it?

Ah, the dreaded stuck cake! There are a few culprits. Firstly, make sure you greased and floured the pan properly before adding the topping. Secondly, only cool the cake for about 10 minutes before inverting. Cooling it for too long will cause the caramel to seize up and stick like glue.

If all else fails, try running a thin knife around the edges before inverting.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this pineapple upside down cake recipe?

You certainly can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure it's ripe but firm, and core it properly. Pat the slices as dry as you can with a paper towel before arranging them in the pan. This will help the pineapple caramelize nicely rather than becoming soggy.

Fresh pineapple will have a slightly different flavour than canned.

My cake turned out dry. What did I do wrong?

A dry cake is a real bummer! Overbaking is the most common reason. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Inserting a wooden skewer into the centre should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Also, make sure you measured the flour correctly; too much flour can also lead to a dry result.

How long does pineapple upside down cake last, and how should I store it?

Pineapple upside down cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep for 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The moisture from the pineapple can make it a bit soggy if stored for too long.

You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life to about 5 days, but the texture might change slightly. A quick blast in the microwave can restore some of its original warmth and softness.

Can I make this pineapple upside down cake recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, or add it yourself (about 1 teaspoon per cup of flour) to help bind the batter.

gluten-free cakes can sometimes be a little drier, so keep a close eye on the baking time and don't overbake.

What are some fun variations I can try with this pineapple upside down cake recipe?

Get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the topping for extra texture and flavour. A dash of rum extract in the cake batter adds a lovely warmth. You could also experiment with other fruits like peaches, pears, or even cranberries for a festive twist.

For a real indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top after inverting. Sorted!