🍍 Old-Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A classic, buttery cake made with yellow cake mix, juicy pineapple rings, sweet maraschino cherries, and a rich caramelized brown sugar topping. This easy old-fashioned dessert is perfect for family gatherings and Sunday dinners! ❤️
🛒 Ingredients
For the pineapple topping:
- 1 stick (½ cup / 113 g) unsalted butter
- 1½ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple slices, drained (about 8–10 slices)
- Maraschino cherries, as needed
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
- Eggs, oil, and water as directed on the cake mix box
- Pineapple juice in place of some or all of the water, if desired
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter: Place the butter in a 9 × 13-inch baking pan or a suitable cake pan. Melt it in the oven, watching carefully.
3. Add the brown sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter and spread it into a layer.
4. Arrange the fruit: Place the pineapple rings over the brown sugar mixture. Put one maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
5. Prepare the cake batter: Mix the yellow cake mix with the eggs, oil, and liquid specified on the package. For extra pineapple flavor, use pineapple juice for some of the water.
6. Pour the batter: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the pineapple and cherries.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. The original version was baked for about 38 minutes.
8. Cool briefly: Let the cake rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.
9. Flip the cake: Run a knife around the edges, place a serving plate over the pan, and carefully invert the cake. Allow the pan to sit for a moment before lifting it away.
10. Serve: Let the caramel topping settle, then slice and enjoy!
❤️ Tips for the best cake
- Drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
- Don’t leave the cake in the pan too long before flipping, or the caramel may stick.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 35–40 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour Servings: 10–12 slices
Enjoy this delicious old-fashioned favorite! 🍍🍒