This easy pineapple upside-down cake takes less than 15 minutes to put together but it’s a total show-stopper. You’ll absolutely love it!
Can I tell you something? Before last month I never had an interest in pineapple upside-down cake—making it or eating it—because it reminds me of ham prepared like this, and I really don’t like ham. (Am I a weirdo for comparing cake to ham?)
BUT! I’m headed to Honduras in a couple of weeks (!!!!) so I wanted something tropical to get myself in the mood. And I also wanted to make something super easy because I have so much to do before I leave. Like cuddle Cookie and cry at the thought of leaving her.
This easy pineapple upside-down consists of a yellow cake topped with pineapple and maraschino cherries that have gotten all caramel-y and delicious thanks to a generous helping of butter and brown sugar.
Top your cake with some whipped cream and you have yourself a festive dessert equally suited to end a fancy dinner or to accompany a cup of tea on a lazy Sunday.
Why you’ll love this easy pineapple upside-down cake:
- It takes literally 15 minutes to prepare (not including baking time)
- The cake layer is a box mix so it’s virtually fool-proof
- Did I mention that it’s EASY???
How to Make Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pour melted butter into a 13- by 9-inch baking pan. (You don’t need to spray the pan with cooking spray first—the butter is more than enough to keep the cake from sticking.) Sprinkle brown sugar over that, then top with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries; press the fruit lightly into the brown sugar.
Note: be sure you reserve the juice from the can of pineapple rings—you’ll use this in the cake layer.
Next, combine pineapple juice, white or yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth; this will take about 2 minutes.
Baker’s tip: if you don’t have enough pineapple juice (you’ll need 1 cup) or if you accidentally discarded it, you can substitute water to make up the difference. No problem—the cake will still be delicious!
Pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherries and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove your upside-down cake from the oven and immediately run a knife around the edge of the cake.
Invert a cutting board or large serving platter on top of the pan and flip both the pan and the cutting board over. Leave the pan on top of the cake for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it. And voilà. Pineapple upside-down cake achieved!
Can you even believe how easy that was? I’m so glad I got over my ham-phobia so I could experience the wonder that is easy pineapple upside-down cake :).
More easy desserts (in case you’re hungry)
Easy Tiramisu
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Nutella Bars
Did you make this easy pineapple upside-down cake? Awesome! Be sure to post a picture on Instagram and tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see (and share!).
This easy pineapple upside-down cake is simple enough for even a novice baker to prepare with success. But it's still completely delicious!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple rings
- 19 or 20 maraschino cherries
- 1 15.25-ounce box white or yellow cake mix*
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- whipped cream for serving if desired
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (or 325 if you’re using a dark pan).
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter in an even layer.
- Drain the pineapple rings, reserving the juice for the cake. Arrange the pineapple over the brown sugar and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple slice. Arrange additional cherries around the slices; lightly press the cherries and pineapple into the brown sugar.
- Measure out 1 cup of the reserved pineapple juice (if you don’t have enough add a little water). Combine the juice, cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla (if using) in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer set to medium speed for 2 minutes, until batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the pan and gently smooth the top. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to eliminate air bubbles, then bake 38 to 44 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and quickly run a knife around the edge of the pan.
- Place a large serving platter or cutting board on top of the pan and flip them both over. Let the cake pan sit on the platter/cutting board for 5 minutes, then carefully remove. Cool cake for 30 minutes, then serve (topped with whipped cream if desired).
- Cake will last loosely covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
*I used Betty Crocker yellow cake mix.
If you forgot to reserve the juice from your can of pineapple (or if you don't have enough juice) you can substitute water.
Adapted from Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Desserts
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
You know, I have eaten a ton of pineapple upsidedown cake but have never made one. I love the cake mix you use in this one. It makes it so much quicker to put together.
grace says
this was my grandpa’s favorite cake and i always loved to make it for him…and help him eat it. 🙂 delicious!
Ashika | Gardening Foodie says
I love pineapple, and baking with it is so yum. I am absolutely loving this recipe, Kelsie , it looks so delicious and easy to make.
Kelsie says
Thank you, Ashika!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Believe it or not I’ve never made one of these either. And I’m still not sure, but at least you’ve got me thinking! Have a great trip to the Honduras. The pineapple will be great…even if it doesn’t have cake attached!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Abbe!
SHASHI AT SAVORYSPIN says
I’M so excited for your upcoming trip and cannot wait to hear about Honduras when you get back (or on IG stories maybe?) Cookie is sure gonna miss ya! As for this – wow! I’ve never made a pineapple upside down cake – mostly cos of the whole pineapple slice inverting thing… you did such a fantastic job with this! I’m scared to make it because the last time I made something of yours, you got me hooked on it and I’m still trying to get over my addiction to those Nutella bars 😉
Kelsie says
I’ll definitely post about it in stories! I can’t even think about leaving Cookie though–she’s on my lap right now and I’m just soaking in every cuddle ’til I leave :). Thank you, Shashi! (Sorry about the Nutella bars though. . .)
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I do like ham, but I’m not wild about pineapple on it. But pineapple on an upside down cake? Yes, please. This looks wonderful — thanks.
Kelsie says
I can always get behind pineapple in a cake :). Thanks, John!
Marissa says
I’m so excited for you, Kelsie!! You’re going to have an amazing time in Honduras!!
My father-in-law’s all time favorite cake is Pineapple Upside Down cake. I’m going to surprise him with this!!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Marissa!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
This was one of the first cakes I ever made when I was growing up. My Dad said he loved, but I’m not quite so sure. I was about 10 or 12. Yours looks delish!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Mary Ann!
Carlee says
I have been thinking about pineapple upside down cake lately and now I want it more than ever! And take me with you to Honduras!
Kelsie says
Come with me! It will be so much fun!
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Honduras!? How fun!! I’m so excited for you, Kelsie. Can I try and stuff myself into your suitcase? Although you’re probably going to try and stuff Cookie in there 😉
I TOTALLY get why the cake reminds you of that ham, haha. Too funny! But yours is very un-ham-like. Save me a slice!
Kelsie says
Thank you Katherine! If you don’t mind sharing space with Cookie I’d love to bring you along! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
LOL! Girl, I hate ham too! But this pineapple upside down cake is something I can TOTALLY get behind! I haven’t had this cake since I was a kid, but I don’t remember it looking THIS delicious!!! And I love that it is SO easy to make! Hello dessert winning FOR SURE! YUM! Cheers!
Kelsie says
Awww thank you, Chey!
Laura says
Kelsie, when I was a kid, this was my very favorite cake! I love love love pineapple upside down cake – and for some reason, I never recall how freaking easy it is to make! So thanks for the reminder (and the easy recipe!). Have a great trip!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Laura!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats says
I love the ease of this by using a box mix!! I hope you have an awesome time in Honduras! You better post about the yummy food you eat while you are there!
Kelsie says
So easy, right? Thank you, Kelly!
Milena says
Definitely strikes a chord with me! We got a bunch of pineapples for this past weekend and made BBQ sauce and teriyaki chicken with wok fried pineapple chunks in hot chili oil…Never made it to dessert though. Your quick upside-down pineapple cake recipe is perfect 🙂
Kelsie says
OMG that pineapple in hot chili oil sounds so good! Thank you, Milena!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
One of my all-time favorites!! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip!! So exciting!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Annie!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
I totally get the ham comparison, Kelsie! I can’t remember the last time I had pineapple ham or pineapple upside down cake. I think both need to happen soon! Honduras sounds exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Kelsie says
Thank you, Leanne!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
15 minutes huh? Ok, so this needs to happen. And that’s so funny about reminding you about ham! Also, you don’t like ham? I like both ham and this cake! It looks so pretty with that pineapple and cherry combo. Pinning this beauty! So exciting about your trip! Can’t wait to hear more about it 🙂 Happy Monday, my friend.
Kelsie says
Never liked ham, even as a kid! Thank you, Dawn!
Kim Lange says
Sounds wonderful! 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you, Kim!
David @ Spiced says
Honduras, eh? What are you doing there? So I have a proposition for you. Send Cookie up our way, and we’ll watch her while you’re gone. (I’m sure Cookie and Ethel will be fast friends!) And then when you get back, you can pay us in the form of desserts…starting with this pineapple upside down cake! I’ve never attempted a pineapple upside down cake myself, and I think it might have something to do with the ham thing you mentioned. Ick. But this looks delicious, and I might just need a slice in my life ASAP! 🙂
Kelsie says
It’s a dive trip! But I’ll be sitting on the beach more than diving I think. Thanks, David!
Marie says
ok so the whole cake is making me drool but that golden caramelised bit, yum. Love this.
Kelsie says
Thank you, Marie!