Mawmaw'S Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Mawmaw's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake features a moist cake layered with caramelized pineapple and brown sugar, creating a sweet, fruity dessert with a rich buttery topping. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it offers a nostalgic, tropical flavor that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 3/4 box brown sugar
  • 1 can pineapple, crushed, rings or chunks
  • 1 box cake mix

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in an iron skillet on the stove.
  2. Add brown sugar and pineapple into the skillet and cook until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes.
  3. Pour the cake mix evenly over the pineapple mixture and pat it down gently.
  4. Bake in the oven until the cake is done and golden on top.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of margarine. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating chopped nuts or maraschino cherries along with the pineapple. Make sure to spread the cake mix evenly to ensure even baking. If you don’t have a skillet, a regular cake pan will work too, but the caramelization might be less pronounced.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a great dessert after a hearty meal like Ham And Cheese Casserole. For a festive touch, top with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warm. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mawmaw'S Pineapple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 558 calories, with 0g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 57g fat.

558 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 57.1g 73% DV
Carbs 11.9g 4% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 9.1g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2.8mg
Potassium 25.2mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 150mg 50% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 9.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure to slice it thinly and possibly sauté it briefly to release some juices before adding the brown sugar to avoid dryness.

What can I do if I don’t have an iron skillet?

If you don’t have an iron skillet, any oven-safe baking dish will work. Just be aware that the caramel might not form as nicely, so ensure you spread the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it's golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.

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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