Dreamy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A decadent pineapple upside-down cake featuring caramelized pineapple and cherries, topped with a moist cake layer—perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. pineapple cake mix (Duncan Hines)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple slices, drained
  • Red maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet or 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter.
  4. Arrange pineapple slices over brown sugar to almost cover the pan.
  5. Place cherry halves in pineapple slices and create desired pattern.
  6. Prepare cake mix as directed on the package.
  7. Pour the prepared cake batter over the fruit in the pan.
  8. Bake for 43 to 48 minutes or until the cake is done.
  9. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan.
  10. Invert onto a serving plate to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal results, ensure your butter is fully melted before adding the brown sugar to create a smooth base. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a 9 x 13-inch baking dish works well. Consider using a yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor. For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or use crushed pineapple instead of slices.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful cake is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence. Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Saturday's Breakfast for a special brunch or can be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to preserve its moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dreamy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 829 calories, with 1g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 75g fat.

829 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 74.5g 96% DV
Carbs 39.8g 14% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 24.3g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 102.7mg 4% DV
Potassium 67.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 219.2mg 73% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 56.8mg 4% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just bake and cool it completely before covering it. Store it at room temperature, and reheat gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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