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Pineapple Cake Classic Twist

Featured in Desserts.

Gave this pineapple cake a shot, and now it’s my favorite! Adding the juice in the mix keeps it so soft. Watching the caramel pour over the top during flipping is magical. Shared it during a get-together, and it was a hit—everyone loved the shiny pineapple look! Much fresher than anything pre-made, and really easy if you’re patient with the caramel. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla on a cozy day.
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Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:12:44 GMT
A vibrant cake topped with pineapple slices and cherries, covered in glossy syrup. Pin it
A vibrant cake topped with pineapple slices and cherries, covered in glossy syrup. | tasteofmoms.com

Traditional Pineapple Flip Cake

My grandma's pineapple flip cake always brings back warm family memories. The sweet caramelized rings topped with bright cherries sit beautifully on the moistest vanilla base you'll ever taste. It's an old-school treat that still wows everyone at the table, no matter how many times they've had it.

Why This Stunning Pineapple Flip Cake Wows Everyone

The real wow moment comes when you turn this baby over and show off that gorgeous fruit design. The mix of tangy pineapple with soft, fluffy cake underneath gets everyone excited. It looks fancy but doesn't need tons of work - perfect when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What You'll Need

  • Topping: Those pretty maraschino cherries, pineapple rings, butter and brown sugar team up for that classic look everyone loves.
  • Cake: Vanilla, pineapple juice, milk, butter, sugar and flour blend together for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Let's Bake Together

Make Your Top First
Melt that butter with brown sugar then place your pineapples and cherries in a pretty pattern.
Whip Up Your Batter
Get everything nice and smooth - this is where the cake gets its amazing texture.
Combine Everything
Just pour your batter over the fruit arrangement and let it do its thing in the oven.
The Exciting Flip
While it's still warm, turn it over and watch everyone's faces light up with excitement.

My Baking Secrets

Don't rush the baking time - a soggy middle will ruin your pineapple flip cake faster than anything. Use a heat-safe plate for flipping and give the caramel a minute to settle before you lift the pan away. Trust me, it's worth waiting those extra seconds.

A round pineapple upside-down cake topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, displayed on a decorative plate. Pin it
A round pineapple upside-down cake topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, displayed on a decorative plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Keep It Fresh

You can store this beauty in your fridge for up to three days, but at my house it never sticks around that long! Want to save it longer? Just wrap it up tight and pop it in the freezer. Don't forget to let it come back to room temp before you serve it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I flip it hot?

If you flip it right away, the topping drips down perfectly and doesn’t stick.

→ Can I swap in fresh pineapple?

Canned is better since it’s always sweet and evenly juicy.

→ How does saving juice help?

The juice makes the batter extra flavorful and soft.

→ Can this be prepped early?

Yep! Just store it covered at room temp or chilled for a few days.

→ What’s the deal with 3 minutes of mixing?

You’ll get the right balance—not too airy, not heavy.

Upside Down Pineapple

A fluffy cake topped with sweet pineapples, juicy cherries, and a brown sugar drizzle that caramelizes perfectly.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 9 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/3 cups plain flour.
02 1/4 cup melted butter.
03 3/4 cup regular milk.
04 9 or 10 cherries from a jar.
05 1 can (20 ounces) of sliced pineapple.
06 1 egg.
07 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed.
08 1/3 cup softened butter.
09 1/4 cup of juice from the canned pineapple.
10 1 cup white sugar.
11 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
12 1/2 teaspoon salt.
13 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F to heat it up.

Step 02

Melt the butter, then spread it in a 9-inch pan.

Step 03

Sprinkle the brown sugar across the butter evenly.

Step 04

Lay the pineapple slices and cherries on top.

Step 05

Mix the batter ingredients on low speed for 40 seconds, then high speed for 3 minutes.

Step 06

Carefully pour the batter over the fruit you've arranged.

Step 07

Bake for around 45 to 50 minutes until done.

Step 08

Right after baking, flip it straight onto a serving plate.

Step 09

Leave it to cool for a short time, then take off the pan.

Notes

  1. Turn it over before it cools to avoid sticking.
  2. Canned pineapple works best for consistent results.
  3. Save the juice from the can to help flavor the batter.
  4. Stays good for days if stored properly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square 9-inch baking pan.
  • A hand or stand mixer.
  • A plate large enough to serve.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy like butter and milk.
  • Contains wheat from the flour.
  • Egg is used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 342
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 3 g