Pineapple Cherry Upside Down Cake
A luscious upside-down cake featuring caramelized pineapple and cherries with a moist cake base, perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, melt the butter.
- Add the crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling to the baking pan and mix in the creamed cheese.
- Prepare the white cake mix as directed on the box and pour over the fruit mixture in the pan.
- Cover the top with chopped nuts.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular melted butter. You can substitute the white cake mix with a homemade vanilla cake recipe if you prefer from scratch. If you're not keen on nuts, try using crushed graham crackers for a different texture. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing with the fruit. This cake also works well with the addition of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an elegant presentation, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside fresh fruit. It pairs beautifully with No Bake Peanut Butter Drops for a fun dessert platter or can be enjoyed as a sweet brunch option with coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until just heated through. If preferred, you can also reheat the entire cake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Cherry Upside Down Cake contains roughly 506 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% 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. Just make sure to finely chop or crush it to match the consistency of canned crushed pineapple. You may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh pineapple can vary in sweetness compared to canned.
What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can substitute it with any other fruit pie filling, such as blueberry or peach, or even use fresh or frozen fruit mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create your own filling.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the day before serving, allow it to cool completely, and then cover it tightly. Reheat before serving for the best texture and taste.
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).