Desserts

Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Details

Servings

12

Prep time

30 mins

Cooking time

20 mins

Cool time

30 mins

“Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A Sweet Slice of Tropical Bliss!” 🍍🍰

Craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible? Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the perfect treat! With its buttery, caramelized topping and soft, moist cake beneath, every bite is a delightful combination of tropical sweetness and rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Tropical Sweetness: The crushed pineapple gives this cake a burst of juicy sweetness, perfectly balanced by the rich, caramelized sugar topping. It’s like a tropical vacation in every bite!

Moist & Flavorful: This cake is the definition of melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pineapple juice seeps into the cake, making it incredibly moist and packed with flavor. You won’t be able to resist a second slice!

Easy & Impressive: Don’t be intimidated by the upside-down method—this cake is easy to make and looks absolutely stunning when flipped over. It’s the perfect dessert to wow your guests at a dinner party or family gathering.

Golden & Gorgeous: The beautiful golden top with the caramelized pineapple rings makes this cake a showstopper. It’s not only delicious but also a visual treat that will brighten up any table!

A Classic with a Twist: If you love the traditional pineapple upside-down cake, this version with crushed pineapple takes it to the next level—more pineapple, more sweetness, and even more deliciousness!

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Ingredients

  • baking spray with flour

  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in syrup

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix (such as Pillsbury®)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • sweetened whipped cream, for serving

  • maraschino cherries and chopped toasted pecans, for serving (optional)

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Directions

  • Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with baking spray. Line bottom with parchment paper; lightly spray parchment. Set aside.
  • Drain pineapple into a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl; set aside. Reserve 3/4 cup pineapple juice in a 1-cup measuring cup with a spout; whisk in water. Set aside. (Discard or reserve any extra pineapple juice for another use.)
  • Add brown sugar and butter to a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until butter melts and sugar mixture is well combined, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cinnamon and vanilla.
  • Spread brown sugar mixture evenly in prepared pan using a small offset spatula. Spoon and spread drained pineapple in an even layer over brown sugar mixture.
  • Prepare cake mix as directed in a large bowl, substituting pineapple juice mixture for the water. Spread batter evenly over pineapple layer. 
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Run a butter knife or small offset spatula around the edge of pan. Carefully place a heatproof platter over pan; invert cake onto platter; remove and discard parchment paper.  If needed, use any pineapple or brown sugar mixture left in the pan to patch any bald spots on the cake. Let cool 30 minutes before slicing and serving. 
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream. Garnish with cherries and pecans (if using). 

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the ultimate dessert that’s sure to impress. Moist, tropical, and totally irresistible—this cake is a must-try! 🍍🌟