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Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This simple pineapple upside down cake bakes up moist and buttery with caramelized fruit on top. Perfect for weeknights or guests.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, for the pan topping
  • 0.66 cup packed light brown sugar dark brown sugar works too
  • 20 oz canned pineapple rings in juice, drained drain well; reserve 1/4 cup juice
  • 2 oz maraschino cherries, drained optional but classic
  • 1.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.66 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp fine salt
  • 0.5 cup milk room temperature
  • 0.25 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a small pan, then stir in brown sugar until glossy. Spread the mixture evenly in the cake pan.
  • Arrange pineapple rings over the sugar layer and tuck cherries into the centers and gaps.
  • Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk milk, reserved pineapple juice, eggs, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Scrape batter over the fruit and smooth the top. Tap the pan once to settle.
  • Bake 35–40 minutes, until the top is deep golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool 10 minutes on a rack. Loosen edges, invert onto a plate, and let set 5 minutes before lifting the pan.
  • Slice and serve warm. Add whipped cream or ice cream if you like.

Notes

Variation: Swap in crushed pineapple (well-drained) for a rustic top, or stir 1–2 tsp dark rum into the brown sugar mixture for a tropical kick. Storage: Keep covered at room temperature up to 1 day, or refrigerate 3 days. Rewarm slices briefly to revive the caramel.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.