Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 06/15/21
Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

 Kristina Vanni

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 70 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
406 Calories
16g Fat
63g Carbs
4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 406
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 7g 36%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 309mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 63g 23%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 45g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 18mg 92%
Calcium 141mg 11%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 111mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This easy pineapple upside down cake looks impressive, but no one has to know it all comes together in a snap. Plus, it uses canned pineapple, so you can enjoy summertime tropical flavors any time of year.

Brown sugar, butter and a dash of pineapple juice are pressed into the bottom of a cake pan. Ultimately, when the pan is inverted this will create the decadent ooey gooey topping.

It is always such a moment of triumph when the cake comes out of the oven and you turn it over onto a serving plate to reveal the beautiful pineapple pattern on top. Serve wedges of this easy pineapple upside down cake with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is a real treat and always a huge hit! 

Ingredients

  • 1 8-ounce) can pineapple rings

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

  • 4 maraschino cherries

  • 1/3 cup vegetable shortening

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Ice cream, or whipped cream, to serve

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  2. Heat the oven to 350 F. Strain an 8-ounce can of pineapple rings in a colander and reserve the liquid from the can. This flavorful juice will be used several times through the recipe to infuse pineapple flavor into every bite.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  3. Pour melted butter into the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan and distribute evenly. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the reserved pineapple juice. Sprinkle into the bottom of the cake pan and distribute evenly. 

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  4. Arrange the pineapple rings in the pan on top of the brown sugar.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  5. Fill the centers of each pineapple ring with maraschino cherries. Set aside while you make the batter.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  6. Beat shortening, granulated sugar, and egg together until well-blended.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  7. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  8. Measure the remaining pineapple juice and add water as necessary to make 2/3 cup. 

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  9. Add half of the flour mixture to the shortening mixture and beat to combine.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  10. Add pineapple juice with vanilla and remaining dry mixture, beat to combine. 

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  11. Pour over pineapple rings and place in oven. Bake until batter is done in the middle, about 45 minutes. 

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  12. Cool 5 minutes before running a knife around the edge to loosen cake from pan. 

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  13. Invert cake onto serving plate.

    Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
     Kristina Vanni

  14. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.