Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
classic pineapple upside down cake - featured image

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Easy 5-Step Recipe

  • Author: angela_woods
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A moist, buttery mid-century classic cake featuring a gooey caramel topping with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, baked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy edge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (for greasing the skillet)
  • 6–8 whole maraschino cherries
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings in heavy syrup, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up. Drain and pat dry pineapple rings.
  2. Remove hot skillet from oven. Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt. Sprinkle brown sugar over the butter and stir to combine. Return skillet to oven for 2 minutes to bubble.
  3. Remove skillet and arrange pineapple rings in a circular pattern on the hot caramel, leaving a gap in the center. Place a cherry in the center of each ring.
  4. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and milk. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt separately, then gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Pour batter over pineapple and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
  6. Cool in skillet on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Place a large plate over the skillet and flip confidently. Lift off skillet and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming. Do not flip the cake while piping hot or the caramel will harden and stick. If the cake sticks, run a knife around the edge and let it rest a bit longer. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 50
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: pineapple upside down cake, cast iron skillet cake, classic dessert, caramel cake, easy baking, southern dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://plateory.com/classic-pineapple-upside-down-cake-easy-5-step-recipe/