Name: Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup salted butter, melted; 1 (20-ounce can) sliced pineapple, drained and juice reserved; 12 maraschino cherries; 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, room temperature; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup pineapple juice, from reserved pineapple juice

There’s something magical about the golden, caramelized fruit topping and tender crumb of a pineapple cake that just brightens up any day. This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe has been my go-to for years whenever I want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and show-stopping. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together!

The image shows a close-up of a pineapple upside-down cake cut into slices on a white plate. The top layer has five bright yellow pineapple rings, each with a shiny red cherry placed in the middle. The pineapples look soft and caramelized with a glossy, sticky glaze. Below this top fruity layer is a golden-brown, moist cake base with a slightly crumbly texture. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a small part of a white bowl with more cherries visible at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always amazed at how this cake feels special, yet it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s sweet, buttery, and visually stunning — perfect for celebrations or just a cozy weekend treat.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, with just a can of pineapple standing out.
Classic nostalgia: The caramelized brown sugar and pineapple really take me back, and I hope it does for you too.
Impressive presentation: The glossy, upside-down fruit layer makes every slice picture-perfect.
Moist and tender crumb: Thanks to the sour cream and pineapple juice, it stays beautifully moist for days.

A round pineapple upside-down cake sits centered on a white plate, presenting six large, golden yellow pineapple rings arranged evenly on top. Each pineapple ring holds a shiny, bright red cherry in its middle, contrasting with the caramelized brown base underneath. In between the pineapple rings, smaller pools of rich red cherry syrup fill the spaces, enhancing the vibrant look. The cake surface is glossy and slightly textured, showing the sticky caramel layer close to the edges. The scene rests on a white marbled surface with a soft, natural light highlighting the warm colors of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The balance of buttery brown sugar with juicy pineapple and a tender cake base is what makes this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe work every time. Paying attention to these ingredients tips will help you succeed.

Flat lay of bright yellow pineapple slices neatly arranged next to glossy red maraschino cherries, small piles of light and dark brown sugar crystals, a cube of creamy pale butter, a heap of white all-purpose flour, smooth white sour cream in a dollop, and a small glass of golden pineapple juice, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Brown sugar: Its molasses content creates that signature caramelized, sticky topping.
Salted butter: Melting it for the topping enhances flavor and helps deepen the caramel notes.
Sliced pineapple: Drained and patted dry prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
Maraschino cherries: Classic bright pops of color and flavor — optional but charming.
All-purpose flour: The perfect structure-giver without making the cake dense.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right for a light crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: For the batter, creamed to trap air and help the cake rise.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Brown sugar in the topping and batter adds moistness and complexity.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the cake ingredients.
Sour cream: Adds acidity and moisture, keeping the cake tender.
Milk: Lightens the batter and helps with texture.
Pineapple juice: Replaces some liquid in the batter, enhancing the pineapple flavor throughout.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this cake depending on the occasion. Sometimes, I swap the cherries for toasted coconut flakes or add a splash of rum to the batter to give it a tropical twist. Feel free to experiment a little—it’s a forgiving recipe!

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract gives a slightly richer flavor that my family adores.
Dietary modification: You can replace milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, which adds subtle richness.
Seasonal change: In summer, fresh pineapple works beautifully too. Just slice it thin and pat dry.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Pan and Topping

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch cake pan well with baking spray. Melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar right in the pan; this makes the caramelized base where your pineapple will sit. Spread it evenly, so the topping cooks perfectly.

Step 2: Arranging the Pineapple and Cherries

Drain your pineapple slices thoroughly, then press them gently between paper towels to soak up any extra juice. This small step prevents a soggy cake. Arrange the slices in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture. Pop in the maraschino cherries in the holes—you’ll love the look once it’s baked and flipped.

Step 3: Mixing the Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Then beat in the egg, followed by the sour cream, milk, and reserved pineapple juice. Finally, fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix or your cake might turn out dense.

Step 4: Baking and Cooling

Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and smooth the top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes. I usually start checking at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake’s ready! Let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before flipping onto a serving plate to reveal the glorious caramelized top.

Top Tip

After trying several versions, I’ve learned a few key things to nail the Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe every time. These tips helped me avoid soggy cake and overly sweet topping.

Pat the pineapple dry: It might seem small, but squeezing and blotting extra juice prevents a wet cake bottom.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the crumb light and tender, not dense and gummy.
Let it cool before flipping: Waiting 10-15 minutes lets the topping set and keeps the caramel layer intact when you invert it.
Use fresh butter: Unsalted and softened butter makes a major difference in texture and flavor compared to margarine or cold butter.

How to Serve Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

pineapple upside down cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve mine just as it is—the caramel and fruit shine on their own! But when I want to dress it up, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a dreamy dessert that really hits the spot.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of afternoon tea or coffee. For a festive brunch, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit salad and a light yogurt parfait to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for a summer party, I made mini versions in a muffin tin, which made portioning easy and looked adorable on the dessert table. You could also sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top for texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend storing it in the fridge to avoid a sticky mess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge. The texture stays moist and the topping still tastes fresh.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven until just warm. Avoid overheating to keep that tender crumb intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use ripe fresh pineapple slices and be sure to pat them dry well to avoid extra moisture that could make the cake soggy. Fresh pineapple also adds a lovely natural sweetness.

Why do I need to let the cake cool before flipping?

Letting the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes allows the caramelized topping to set slightly, which helps it cling to the cake rather than sticking to the pan when you flip it over. This ensures a smooth and beautiful presentation.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead, keep it covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and then warm it slightly before serving. This actually allows the flavors to meld even better.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy cake bottom?

The key is to drain the pineapple slices very well and press them between paper towels to absorb extra juice. Also, don’t overload the cake with too much liquid — measuring liquids like milk and pineapple juice carefully keeps the batter just right.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that instantly feels like home. With its rich caramelized top and tender, flavorful cake, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can make anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some happy memories in your kitchen too!