Description
This Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert featuring caramelized brown sugar and buttery pineapple slices atop a moist yellow cake. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a deliciously sweet and tangy cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water or milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Topping
- 1 can sliced pineapples (in juice), drained
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9-inch round baking pan, melt the unsalted butter completely, then stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is well combined and caramel-like. Spread this mixture evenly at the bottom of the pan.
- Arrange Pineapples: Drain the canned pineapple slices to remove excess juice. Arrange the pineapple slices carefully and evenly over the caramel mixture at the bottom of the baking pan.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow or vanilla cake mix, eggs, water (or milk), and vegetable oil. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, ensuring a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the pineapple slices and caramel layer in the baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter so the pineapple slices are on top, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or toothpick to test doneness by inserting it into the cake center; it should come out clean.
- For extra flavor, consider adding maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring before baking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before inverting to prevent the caramel from running.
- You can substitute water with milk for a richer cake batter.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
