Few desserts evoke nostalgia and delight quite like the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. With its glossy caramelized pineapple rings, bright maraschino cherries, and soft, buttery cake base, this treat is both a visual showstopper and a flavor-packed indulgence.Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday gathering, or simply craving a classic homemade dessert, this version of the pineapple upside-down cake is foolproof and absolutely delicious. The cake comes out moist and flavorful thanks to the clever addition of apple sauce and pineapple juice, while the golden-brown topping adds a tropical caramel twist that’s hard to resist. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this retro favorite step by step — with tips for perfect results every time.
⭐ Why This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a Must-Try
- Easy and quick: Uses a boxed cake mix for convenience but tastes homemade.
- Moist and fluffy texture: Applesauce and pineapple juice make the cake incredibly moist.
- Beautiful presentation: The glistening fruit layer on top makes for a naturally decorative cake.
- Tropical flavor profile: Perfect for summer parties or adding sunshine to your table year-round.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different fruits or a homemade cake base if desired.
📋 Ingredients
For the topping:
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 7–8 maraschino cherries, halved
- 1 large can of pineapple slices, drained
For the cake batter:
- 4 oz unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pineapple juice (use the juice from the canned pineapple, as long as it’s real juice)
- 3 eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix
👩🍳 How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
1. Preheat and prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cake pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick baking spray for easy release later.
2. Prepare the caramel fruit layer
In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until combined and bubbling slightly.
Quickly pour this hot mixture into the bottom of your prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
3. Arrange the fruit
Place pineapple slices directly onto the brown sugar layer. You can slightly overlap the slices if needed.
Place a maraschino cherry half into the center of each pineapple ring for that iconic retro look and pop of color.
4. Mix the cake batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
5. Pour and bake
Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pan over the fruit layer.
Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
6. Cool and flip
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
Gently peel off the parchment paper and admire your perfect upside-down topping.
🍰 Serving Suggestions & Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature: Delicious as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the batter.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cake during the last 5 minutes to ensure it stays moist.
- Use fresh pineapple for a slightly more tart and juicy flavor twist.
📌 Final Thoughts: A Classic Cake That Never Goes Out of Style
This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake delivers everything you want in a dessert — moisture, sweetness, a stunning appearance, and a satisfying balance of flavors. It’s an easy way to impress guests or treat yourself with something that feels nostalgic yet timeless.
From Sunday brunches to birthdays and barbecues, this cake is always a hit. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients to make it — just a love of baking and a craving for something deliciously different.
Will you try this classic with a twist, or put your own spin on it? Let us know in the comments or share your creations online!