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; 1⅓ 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, reserved from pineapple can

There’s just something irresistible about the caramelized pineapple and buttery cake coming together in this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe. Every bite bursts with sweet, tangy goodness and a moist crumb that makes it a standout dessert to share (or keep all to yourself!).

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

This cake has been my go-to for years whenever I want a show-stopping but surprisingly easy dessert. It’s a nostalgic classic that feels extra special because of the glossy pineapple topping—and trust me, once you try this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of everything in your pantry already, which makes this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
Perfect Caramelized Topping: The buttery brown sugar layer melts into the pineapple, creating that signature sticky-sweet glaze everyone loves.
Moist, Flavorful Cake: The blend of pineapple juice and sour cream ensures the crumb stays tender and never dry.
Impress Without Stress: Seriously, it looks fancy but is foolproof—ideal for family dinners or when unexpected guests pop by.

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 balancing flavor and texture. Using canned pineapple is convenient and juicy, while brown sugar and butter combine for that classic caramel richness. Here’s why each stands out:

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: Adds depth and caramel notes that plain granulated sugar misses, perfect for the topping’s glaze.
Salted Butter: Enhances the topping’s richness and helps melt the brown sugar into a sticky delight.
Sliced Pineapple: Offers natural sweetness and acidity; draining well is key to avoid sogginess.
Maraschino Cherries: Classic garnish for pops of color and a hint of fruity tartness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake tender.
Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift to keep the cake light.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter (for batter): Softened to cream smoothly with sugars for a fluffy cake base.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the tropical notes.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake moist and tender.
Milk: Hydrates dry ingredients and helps create a smooth batter.
Pineapple Juice: Intensifies that fresh pineapple flavor throughout the cake.

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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

While I adore sticking to the classic version of this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe, I love experimenting now and then to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to make it truly yours!

Variation: I once swapped sour cream with coconut yogurt and added a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top—talk about a tropical twist that was a hit at my last BBQ!
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk to transform this into a dairy-free dessert without losing that luscious texture.
Extra Special: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter can deepen the flavor and add a beautiful aroma.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Topping

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F and giving my 9-inch cake pan a good spray with non-stick spray. Then, mix the brown sugar and melted salted butter until it’s smooth and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. This simple step is the secret to that luscious caramel layer, so take your time to spread it well.

Step 2: Arrange Pineapple and Cherries Carefully

Next, pat the pineapple slices dry using a few layers of paper towels to soak up any extra juice—that prevents the cake from getting too soggy. Arrange the pineapple slices neatly across the pan bottom and the sides if you like, then pop the maraschino cherries in the center of each ring and between them for that classic look.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give them a good whisk to blend evenly—this ensures your cake rises evenly without pockets of baking powder or salt.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This is the foundation of a tender cake crumb, so don’t rush this step—it’s worth the effort!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Liquids

Beat in the egg, then mix in sour cream, milk, and pineapple juice just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so a gentle hand wins the day.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just mixed. The batter should be smooth but don’t overdo it—or you risk a dense cake.

Step 7: Bake and Invert

Spoon the batter evenly over the pineapple in your pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. The warm caramelized topping will glisten beautifully—a moment that always makes me smile.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks that ensure this Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe turns out just right every time. These simple tips make all the difference when you’re aiming for that flawless caramelized topping and moist cake texture.

Dry Your Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess moisture can turn the topping runny and soggy, so pat those slices well with paper towels.
Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before flipping to allow the topping to set slightly—this prevents your topping from sliding off.
Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: This step is key for a tender crumb, so mix until it’s light and fluffy, don’t rush.
Use Room Temperature Eggs and Dairy: Helps everything come together smoothly and traps air for lift.

How to Serve Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple Upside Down Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a lovely crunch and extra tropical vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a tangy Greek yogurt drizzle to cut through the richness and complement the pineapple’s brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I like to place the cake on a pretty cake stand and surround it with fresh pineapple slices and cherries for a festive touch. It also makes an elegant centerpiece for any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s just for a day or two. It keeps nicely moist without the fridge drying it out.

Freezing

You can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a perfect second-round treat.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I recommend a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or a brief 5-minute toast in a low oven. This brings back that melt-in-your-mouth feeling and revives the caramelized topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to slice it evenly and pat dry thoroughly to avoid extra moisture that can affect the caramel topping and cake texture.

What’s the best pan size for making this pineapple upside down cake?

A 9-inch round cake pan is ideal for this recipe because it allows the pineapple slices to fit nicely and the cake to bake evenly. Using a different size can affect cooking time and thickness.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Bake the cake until it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This usually takes 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the cake a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze slices as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe holds a special place on my dessert table for its balance of simplicity and show-stopping flavor. Each time I bake it, I feel like I’m sharing a little bit of sunshine in every slice. I hope you find as much joy making (and eating) it as I do—so go ahead, give it a try, and bring that warm, caramelized magic to your kitchen!