Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sweet, buttery, and bursting with tropical flavor — this golden, moist Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the kind of retro dessert that never goes out of style!
There’s just something magical about warm caramelized pineapple melting into a soft vanilla cake. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled the next day with coffee, it’s pure sunshine on a plate. And yes, it’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve!
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, well-drained)
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2️⃣ Make the Topping:
Place the butter in the pan and melt it in the oven. Once melted, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange pineapple chunks on top in a single, even layer.
3️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—don’t overbeat!
6️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
Pour the batter over the pineapple topping and gently spread it out evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Invert & Cool:
Let the cake rest for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
Serve It Up!
This cake is delicious warm with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also fantastic chilled the next day—if it lasts that long!
Quick Notes
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: ~50 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8
🔥 Calories: ~360 kcal per slice
Tips & Variations
- Add a tropical twist: Mix in a few maraschino cherries for that classic look.
- Make it coconutty: Substitute 1/4 cup of milk with coconut milk for a richer flavor.
- Go upside down mini: Use a muffin tin for mini upside-down cakes — perfect for parties!
Bring the sunshine to your table with this classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It’s the ultimate sweet escape, bite after bite!
Let me know if you’d like a version using gluten-free flour or pineapple rings for a vintage presentation!