Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This cake owes its popularity to a 1925 recipe contest sponsored by Dole, which received thousands of entries after canned pineapple became widely available — cementing it as a mid-century American classic. Pineapple rings and cherries caramelize in butter and brown sugar at the bottom of the pan, then the whole thing is flipped after baking to reveal a glossy, decorative top.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60g) butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 1 can (20oz) pineapple rings, drained (juice reserved)
- Maraschino cherries
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (80ml) reserved pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup (80ml) neutral oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Melt the butter in a 9-inch round cake pan (oven-safe) and stir in the brown sugar until it forms a smooth layer.
- Arrange the pineapple rings over the brown sugar mixture and place a cherry in the center of each ring.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and sugar together. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pineapple juice, and oil.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the batter carefully over the pineapple and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
Tips
- Invert the cake while it's still warm — if it cools fully, the caramel can stick to the pan.
- Pat the pineapple rings dry before arranging them so the caramel layer doesn't turn watery.
- A cast iron skillet works beautifully in place of a cake pan for an even more classic result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, sliced into rings — just note you'll need to substitute the reserved juice with a bit of regular pineapple juice or water.
What if the topping sticks to the pan when I flip it?
Scoop out any stuck pieces and press them back onto the cake — it won't affect the taste, just the appearance slightly.
