Description
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake combines the classic caramelized pineapple and cherry topping with a moist, flavorful yellow cake infused with pineapple juice and instant vanilla pudding. Sweet, fruity, and perfect for any occasion, it’s baked to golden perfection and served warm for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Topping
- 1 Stick Butter, melted
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 10 Maraschino Cherries, stems removed and pitted
- 20 Oz Pineapple Rings (canned), drained, reserve 1 cup of juice
Cake Batter
- 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
- Oil and eggs as required by cake mix package instructions plus 1 extra egg
- 1 Cup Pineapple juice (reserved from the pineapple rings)
- 20 Oz Crushed Pineapple, drained
- 3.4 Oz French Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the melted butter and light brown sugar; mix well and spread evenly across the bottom to form the caramelized base.
- Arrange Pineapple and Cherries: Drain pineapple rings and set aside 1 cup of juice. Place the pineapple rings evenly on top of the brown sugar mixture in the baking dish. Cut rings in half as needed to fit. Fill gaps and centers of the rings with maraschino cherries without stems.
- Make Cake Batter: In a separate bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix per package directions but skip the water. Instead, add one extra egg and replace water with the reserved pineapple juice. Stir in 3/4 can of drained crushed pineapple and the French vanilla instant pudding mix until well combined.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry topping in the baking dish, spreading it gently to cover all evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the oven’s center rack and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Upside Down: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes without flipping. This resting period allows the topping to set.
- Invert Cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a parchment paper-lined surface to reveal the caramelized pineapple and cherries on top.
- Serve: Cut the cake into individual slices, serve warm, and enjoy this luscious dessert.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the pineapple juice is reserved and used instead of water to enhance the pineapple flavor.
- The extra egg added to the batter helps to give the cake a richer texture.
- Allowing the cake to cool upside down prevents the topping from sticking and helps it adhere beautifully to the cake.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cake carefully so the topping stays intact.
- If maraschino cherries are not preferred, consider substituting with canned pineapple chunks or other fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pineapple Upside Down Cake, dessert, pineapple cake, caramelized topping, yellow cake mix dessert
