Karen'S Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A classic pineapple upside-down cake featuring caramelized pineapple and cherries on a moist lemon-flavored cake, perfect for dessert gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use 1 stick of butter to heavily coat the bottom and lightly coat the sides of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with brown sugar.
- Arrange pineapple rings in the pan and place one maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
- In a mixing bowl, combine lemon cake mix, lemon instant pudding mix, 1/4 cup oil, 4 eggs, and enough water to make 1 1/4 cups when added to the reserved pineapple juice.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherries in the pan.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white for the cake batter. If you don't have lemon pudding mix, vanilla can be a great substitute. Make sure to allow the cake to cool slightly before inverting to avoid breaking the pineapple topping. This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. You can also browse more American recipes to create a festive spread for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. When reheating, place slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain the moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karen'S Pineapple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 1547 calories, with 4g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you'll need to slice it into rings and adjust the caramelization process slightly. Fresh pineapple may require a bit more sugar to ensure proper sweetness and moisture in the cake.
What can I do if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries are unavailable, you can substitute them with fresh cherries or omit them entirely. Alternatively, consider using canned cherries or other fruit like strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring that your pudding mix is also gluten-free. This will allow those with dietary restrictions to enjoy a delicious pineapple upside-down cake.
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).