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 good pineapple upside down cake—the glossy, caramelized fruit topping paired with a soft, buttery cake is pure comfort food. This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe nails that classic vibe with juicy pineapple rings and sweet cherries, making every bite a little celebration of flavor and texture.

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 have fond memories making pineapple upside down cake with my family — it’s just one of those desserts that instantly brightens the kitchen with its aroma and beautiful colors. This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe is foolproof and delightfully rich, yet stays light enough that you’ll want seconds.

Classic Flavor Combination: The marriage of caramelized brown sugar, sweet pineapple, and tart cherries gives you that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find stuff here—mostly pantry staples you likely have on hand.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The beautiful pineapple rings and cherries on top make it look way fancier than it actually is.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the fruit or spices to make it uniquely yours.

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

Each ingredient plays a role to create that tender, moist crumb and perfectly sticky, caramelized topping. I always recommend using fresh and quality products where you can — it really shines through!

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: Essential for that rich, caramel flavor in the topping and adds moistness to the cake itself.
Salted Butter: For a smooth, golden buttery base in the caramel and the cake, contributing to flavor and texture.
Pineapple Slices: Make sure to pat them dry to avoid sogginess while preserving their juiciness.
Maraschino Cherries: Classic pops of color and sweetness that contrast beautifully with the pineapple.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake—provides structure without being too dense.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise nicely, making it fluffy instead of heavy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Creamed with sugars for a tender crumb and rich taste.
Granulated Sugar: Works with brown sugar for sweetness and a slight crunch in the cake’s texture.
Egg: Adds moisture, richness, and helps bind everything together.
Sour Cream: Key for that tender, moist texture and subtle tang in the cake.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and light.
Pineapple Juice: Gives extra pineapple flavor and moisture, tying the whole cake together.

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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

I love putting my spin on this recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s so versatile you can easily switch out fruits or add spices—feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the pineapple slices with fresh peaches or mango for a summery twist, and it’s just as scrumptious.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of dairy milk, and it still turns out wonderfully.
Extra Spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter can deepen the flavor and make it feel a bit more cozy during cooler months.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Topping

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and spraying a 9-inch cake pan with pan spray to prevent sticking. Then, I mix the brown sugar and melted salted butter and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. This creates that irresistible caramel base. Don’t skip this step—it’s the foundation of the whole cake’s magic!

Step 2: Arrange Pineapples & Cherries

Pat the pineapple slices dry between paper towels—that little extra step keeps the topping from getting watery. Then arrange them neatly on the caramel layer, sashing them with those bright maraschino cherries. The pattern looks so pretty once the cake’s flipped, so take your time arranging the fruit how you like it.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar for about 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Add the egg, sour cream, milk, and pineapple juice—mix until just combined. Then gently fold in your dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix, which keeps the cake tender.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Pour your batter evenly on top of the pineapple arrangement and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes—this cooling time helps the caramel set so the fruit stays in place when you flip it onto a serving plate.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this cake shine every single time. These tips can really save you from common pitfalls and ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes.

Dry Your Pineapple: Moisture is the enemy of a caramel topping that sticks—pat those slices thoroughly to get that perfect caramelized result.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Overworking the flour develops gluten, leading to a denser, less tender cake—mix just until combined.
Cool Before Flipping: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes; flipping too soon can cause the topping to stick or slide off.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend together smoothly, creating a lighter, fluffier texture.

How to Serve Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

pineapple upside down cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a little dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—it’s classic for a reason! A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top adds a lovely texture contrast and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serving this with a fresh fruit salad or a light mint tea makes for a refreshing balance—especially during summer gatherings. It’s rich enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with lighter sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love to bake this cake in individual ramekins for single servings—great for parties. You can also sprinkle edible flowers over the top or drizzle a little caramel sauce after flipping to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep that topping moist and sticky instead of drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, slice the cake first, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without drying out the caramel topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used. Just be sure to slice it evenly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture which can make the cake soggy.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking when I flip it?

Make sure your pan is well-greased and give the cake enough time to cool before flipping. Using a non-stick spray with flour or butter will help, and waiting 10-15 minutes before flipping allows the caramel to set.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and replace the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives.

Why does my cake sometimes come out dense?

Overmixing your batter or using cold ingredients can make the cake dense. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Mixing just until ingredients are combined and using room temperature dairy and eggs will help keep it light.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart, bringing back warm memories and creating fresh ones each time I bake it. There’s truly nothing like that glossy, fruity top and moist cake underneath. I promise once you make it, this recipe will become your go-to for celebrations, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll love every caramelized, pineapple-y bite!