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 irresistibly nostalgic about a golden layer of caramelized pineapple crowned with bright maraschino cherries, right? This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that never fail to bring a smile, whether it’s for a weeknight treat or a festive get-together.

The image shows a pineapple upside-down cake with a golden brown base layer. On top, there are five bright yellow pineapple rings arranged evenly, each with a shiny red cherry in the center. The pineapple rings have a glistening, caramelized texture, and the cherries are glossy and smooth. One slice of the cake is slightly lifted with a white platter showing beneath. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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

Honestly, this cake is my go-to whenever I want something that’s both comforting and elegant in appearance — plus it’s really straightforward to make. The mix of juicy pineapple and buttery caramel topping creates magic every time, and my friends always ask for seconds.

Effortless elegance: The cake looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up, perfect for impressing without stress.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet caramel, tangy pineapple, and moist cake come together in a way that’s just right—not too sweet or heavy.
Customizable and forgiving: Whether you want to swap in fresh pineapple or use dairy alternatives, this recipe adapts well.
Great for any occasion: It’s just as fitting for a casual afternoon coffee as it is for a holiday dessert table.

A round pineapple upside-down cake sits on a white plate with a light speckled edge on a white marbled surface. The top layer features six golden yellow pineapple rings arranged in a circular pattern. Each pineapple ring has a single bright red maraschino cherry in its center. Around and between the pineapple rings are extra dollops of vibrant red cherries embedded in a caramelized brown sugary glaze that covers the top of the cake, giving it a shiny and textured look. The cake beneath the pineapple topping is a moist brown color, visible through the gaps around the fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect texture and flavor harmony. Here’s why I love each one and a few tricks for picking the best quality stuff when shopping.

Flat lay of bright yellow pineapple slices arranged in a neat pattern, shiny red maraschino cherries placed between the pineapple rings, a small pile of golden brown sugar crystals, a chunk of creamy unsalted butter softly melted, a small mound of white all-purpose flour, a cracked eggshell with a fresh large egg next to it, a splash of smooth sour cream in a dollop, and a small glass of pale yellow pineapple juice, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Brown sugar (for topping and cake): Adds richness and depth, helping create that lovely caramelized layer.
Salted butter: Using salted butter in the topping enhances the caramel’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
Sliced pineapple: The star of the show—its natural acidity cuts through the sweetness and brightens the cake.
Maraschino cherries: For that classic vintage look and little bursts of sweet flavor nestled in the pineapple.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure while keeping it tender.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures the cake rises beautifully without becoming dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (cake batter): Provides moisture and richness to the crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering.
Large egg: Binds everything together and helps with texture.
Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
Milk: Lightens the batter and aids in the right cake consistency.
Pineapple juice: From the reserved juice, it infuses extra pineapple flavor into the cake itself.

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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

This is where I like to have fun. I often tweak the fruit or try adding extras to make it my own — and you can too. Don’t be shy about making it your unique spin on the Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe.

Variation: I sometimes swap fresh pineapple rings for canned—they bring a brighter, juicier flavor that’s great in summer.
Dietary twist: Using coconut milk instead of regular milk adds a tropical flair and makes it a bit dairy-free friendly.
Extra texture: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top after baking add a fun crunch.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Topping

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9-inch cake pan with pan spray—this step is crucial to make sure your cake releases smoothly later. Then mix the brown sugar and melted salted butter to form your sticky, caramel-like base. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan so every slice has that delicious caramel layer.

Step 2: Arrange Pineapple and Cherries

Drain your canned pineapple slices, then gently press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step prevents sogginess. Lay the slices neatly on top of the caramel, pressing them gently against the pan and sides. Nestle maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring and in the spaces between. It’s these little touches that make the presentation pop.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This keeps them well combined and ensures even rising later on.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. This step is key for a light cake crumb and helps dissolve the sugars properly.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg, then mix in sour cream, milk, and pineapple juice. The pineapple juice really amplifies the tropical pineapple flavor throughout the cake—not just in the topping.

Step 6: Combine and Pour Batter

Fold your dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—don’t overmix here, or the cake might turn out tough. Spread the batter gently over the pineapple and cherries in the pan, smoothing the top to an even layer.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes—this resting time helps the caramel set so it won’t drip when you invert it.

Step 8: Flip and Serve

Carefully place a serving plate or cake stand over the pan and flip it over in one smooth motion. If any pineapple sticks, gently loosen it with a knife. Now your Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake is ready to wow!

Top Tip

I’ve baked this cake dozens of times, and these tips really made the difference between good and “wow!” results for me. You’ll appreciate these insights when you want that perfect texture and presentation every time.

Dry Pineapple Slices: Always pat down pineapple slices with paper towels to remove excess juice; otherwise, the cake can become soggy at the bottom.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake, so stir just until ingredients come together.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For even mixing and fluffier texture, take your butter and egg out ahead of time.
Cool Before Flipping: Give the cake time to cool and set in the pan before flipping to avoid a messy caramel spill.

How to Serve Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—sometimes dusting lightly with powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side. But my favorite fancy touch is a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, which adds an irresistible nutty crunch that complements the caramel.

Side Dishes

Because this cake is already so flavorful and rich, I like pairing it with something light and fresh—like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some tangy Greek yogurt with honey. Fresh berries alongside really brighten the plate too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried slicing the cake and serving it in individual mini ramekins with pineapple and cherry on top for a cute, elegant presentation. Another time, I garnished the whole cake with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers—it was a hit at summer brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the topping from drying out and maintains a moist crumb. After that, I move it to the fridge wrapped well, but honestly, it tastes best fresh.

Freezing

It freezes well too! I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm before serving.

Reheating

I like to warm leftover slices in a microwave for 20 seconds or so, or pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned in this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple rings work wonderfully and add a nice brightness, but you’ll want to pat the slices dry carefully to avoid excess moisture making the cake soggy.

What pan size should I use for this recipe?

A 9-inch round cake pan is ideal for this recipe. Using a different size can affect baking time and the thickness of the cake, so stick to 9 inches if you want the best results.

How do I prevent the caramel topping from sticking to the pan when flipping?

Spraying the pan with a generous amount of pan spray or lining it with parchment paper helps. Also, allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes lets the caramel set, making flipping smoother and preventing sticking.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?

You can make dairy-free versions by substituting plant-based butter, milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and vegan sour cream. However, vegan egg replacements might alter the texture slightly, so a tested egg substitute like flax eggs or commercial vegan egg replacers is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert to me—it’s a slice of sunshine in cake form that reliably brings joy. I hope you find as much fun and satisfaction making (and eating!) it as I do. Treat yourself to this classic treat—it might just become your favorite too.