A retro recipe that’s here to stay: this Pineapple Upside Down Cake is AMAZING. So supremely moist and soft, with a caramelized pineapple and maraschino cherry topping, it’s perfect for get-togethers, BBQs, potlucks, and any occasion!
You guys – this cake!
I’ve been tinkering around with pineapple upside down cake recipes lately and I had yet to find one I liked. For some, the cake was a little too dry – others, there wasn’t enough pineapple flavor or general pizzazz. I even found one recipe on the internet using dried cranberries in place of the maraschino cherries which is a crime against humanity and threatens the welfare of the world. Yeah, they’re neon red and full of sugar, but maraschino cherries are essential for this cake!
But after some trial and error – and pawning the guinea pig cakes to my apartment complex’s front office – I have found The One. And like when you find your human soulmate, I found my cake soulmate and this is it.
The cake part of this phenomenal piece of heaven is so supremely moist, fluffy and soft with a hint of pineapple flavor. The topping/bottom of the cake is just perfect: gooey, caramelized brown sugary pineapple slices and juicy cherries. The only thing that may be missing from this cake is a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just sayin’.
Whatever you do, promise me you’ll make this cake and love me forever?
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 5-7 pineapple rings, drained and juice reserved
- Maraschino cherries (without stems)
- FOR THE CAKE:
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 & ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9" round cake pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar and pour the mixture into the bottom of the cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the pineapple rings around the pan and place maraschino cherries in between. Set aside briefly.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the oil and granulated sugar until moistened. Beat in the egg, salt, baking powder, and vanilla until combined. Beat in the sour cream. Gradually add some of the milk, alternating with the flour until a soft batter comes together. Gently beat in the pineapple juice last.
- Carefully pour the batter over the pineapples in the pan, careful not to disturb their placement. Bake for approx. 40-45 minutes or until the cake appears set, is light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist, not wet, crumbs. Cool for 10-15 minutes, then very carefully invert the cake onto a platter or plate. Serve warm or room temperature.
I made this cake a couple weeks ago and I have had an actual dream about it since then – it’s that good.
Have a super sweet day!
xo, Hayley
cakespy says
It’s a classic for a reason: it has that iconic look and inimitable flavor! Looks like a fine specimen indeed, my friend.
Sean Mahan says
You sure know how to sell a cake! I got curious to try it even before actually reading the recipe!! My weekend just got a new goal: to make this cake!
thedomesticrebel says
Sean, this cake was so amazing! I have made it twice since posting this recipe because it is my new favorite!
Joyce says
I made this cake in my cast iron skillet this weekend and it was DELISH! Fairly simple to make as well. I will definitely be making another again very soon.
thedomesticrebel says
Love the idea of making this in a cast iron! Thanks, Joyce! Glad you loved the cake 🙂
Gloria says
Made this today in cake pan. Came out beautifully. I wasn’t sure it would do without my iron skillet which I no longer have. . Will be making again. A long favorite in our family. Thank you for the recipe.
Stela says
Have you ever tried doubling the cake? I need enough for about 20 people. Probably best to make two cakes but thought I’d ask.
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Stela, I would make two separate cakes!
Juliette says
Thank you for sharing your recipe with us, I made it today it’s cooling now my husband and i will be having it for dessert! Will update on taste later.
Juliette says
This cake was awesome, delicious,and moist!
Juliette says
This cake was moist and delicious!
Daisy says
Omg sooo yummy , moist and my family loved it
Thank you !!
Stacy Janelle says
Can you make this cake in a 13×9 inch pan?
thedomesticrebel says
Yes! You’ll need more pineapple and cherries, however, and the cake may be thinner.
Ashley Whitehead says
Thanks for the amazing recipe! This was my first attempt at a pineapple upside down cake and your recipe helped me knock it out of the park! Very moist, excellent flavor on the crust, and the flavor was not overbearing. I’m making it again asap!
thedomesticrebel says
So glad to hear that, Ashley!
Erick Vernotico says
Is there a reason I couldn’t just double? A 9” round is much smaller than a 9×13” actually it’s just about double. If I stayed with the above measurements the cake would be very thin.
Amber says
Agreed. I’m going to double the recipe.
Alaa' Obeidat says
I tried this recipe and ot was to sweet for me suggest to decrease the amount of sugar to half for people who don’t like sweet ,the cake batter is amazing
Bianca says
Made this for my mom who is a pineapple upside down lover. It was the “best pineapple upside down cake” she’s ever had. I also loved it and will never use another recipe again. Thank you!
thedomesticrebel says
Bianca, I am so glad you and your mom loved it! Thank you!
Zaida says
Hayley! This cake is so delicious! My husband has been begging me for a pineapple upside down cake for years. My last attempt with another recipe wasn’t so great. But, this! It’s moist, dense, yet light and the batter smelled amazing. I think i will add a little rum extract to the butter/sugar mixture next time!
Tracey says
The recipe is amazing!!! I have made it several times! I love it!! Thanks for sharing it!
Jolynne says
Cake is in the oven as I type! Made it for my husband’s birthday. It’s his faforite…hope he loves it!!
Tonya says
This was my 1st time ever making this cake and not only was it super easy but this cake was very moist and super tasty!! Will make again for sure!
Marcelle Lowder says
Made this yesterday and it’s gone today. Very good cake, moist and delicious. Followed the recipe exactly and extremely pleased with the results.
thedomesticrebel says
Glad to hear you loved it, Marcelle!
Emma C says
Hello! I’m going to be making this most likely next week! Can you make it in a bundt pan or do you suggest a flat cake pan?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Emma, I have not tried this in a Bundt pan, so I would probably stick to the flat cake pan!
Emma C says
Thank you!
Leslie Kupfer says
Hi Hayley,
Baked this cake today and although it is still cooling, it is a beautiful sight to behold! I did use thoroughly drained crushed pineapple instead of rings, cut the cherries in half before placing them, and added coarsely chopped, toasted pecans (just because that is what my Grandmothers and Mom always did.) We are anxiously awaiting enjoying a piece of heavenly cake, thanks to you and your endeavors to create a perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake!
Drema says
Going to make this cake today for a church bible study group. I’m using an iron skillet. A#8 size . Do I need to double the cake recipe?
SJ Spear says
Oh yes, yes, yes! You’ve nailed it with this recipe. I made this cake this week for my DIL’s Birthday. Pineapple upside down cake is her favorite so this was a high stake baking venture for me! I made it as directed (chose full fat sour cream) and it was perfect. A five star rating for sure!
Tiffany says
Have you ever tried making these in cupcake tins? If so, do you know how long they bake for?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Tiffany! I have not but I’m sure it’ll work! Just maybe bake for 15 minutes or so, checking at the 15 min mark and increasing by one minute increments if not done.
Heather says
Delicious! For those curious, I used a Bundt pan and it turned out excellent! I did, however, make a little extra brown sugar / butter mixture, and used a can of “pineapple tidbits” instead of rings as that’s what we had on hand! Oh, and added a touch of cinnamon! Yum!
Heather says
I’m not sure what went wrong in this recipe, I am an avid baker, followed this recipe to a T, and it went horribly. The top of the cake before you flip it almost burnt and bubbles in the middle and still wasn’t done.
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Heather, it sounds like your oven runs very hot. Next time, you can tent the top of the cake with foil to prevent it from browning too quickly!
Bieke says
Hello!
I’m trying the recipe next week. Do I have to use fresh pineapple or canned
Greetings from Belgium!
Bieke says
Hello!
I’m trying the recipe next week. Do I have to use fresh pineapple or canned
Greetings from Belgium!
thedomesticrebel says
Canned!
Amy Rankin says
My youngest son requested pineapple upside down cake for his birthday. I had never made one and decided to give this recipe a try. It was delicious! The consistency of the cake was wonderful! Everyone loved it!
Faith says
I would like to make this for a group of about 100 . I am thinking multiple 13×9…. any suggestions before I move forward. Thanks
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Faith, yes, I would definitely do multiples of a 9×13 pan. It may be easier to use pineapple tidbits and chop your maraschino cherries to spread over instead of using pineapple rings.