Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Box Cake Recipe
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Box Cake Recipe is easy, nostalgic, and golden! Juicy pineapple, brown sugar caramel, and soft cake make it a crowd favorite.
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan or skillet
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Can opener (for pineapple)
- Oven mitts and cooling rack
- Knife for serving
- Optional: hand mixer for smoother cake batter
Ingredients
For the Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple rings about 8 oz
- Maraschino cherries optional, for garnish
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow or butter cake mix
- Ingredients as required by the box usually water, oil, and eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the cake pan and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar. If using cherries, place them in the centers of the pineapple rings. Press gently to ensure they stay in place and the sugar and butter create a consistent caramel base.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Follow the instructions on the box for the cake batter. Usually, this means combining the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil in a mixing bowl and whisking until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps, and the batter is well-incorporated for an even, tender cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Carefully pour the prepared batter over the pineapple rings in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the batter covers all pineapple rings completely but do not overfill the pan.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cake according to the box instructions, usually around 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of caramelized pineapple and brown sugar will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 5: Cool and Invert
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake. Tap lightly to release the cake and remove the pan. The caramelized pineapple should be glossy and perfectly set on top.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Each slice reveals the caramelized pineapple and cherries beautifully on top, with soft, spongy cake underneath. Optional: add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking when flipping.
- Let the cake cool slightly before inverting to avoid breaking the pineapple layer.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for extra flavor if desired.
- Brown sugar should be packed evenly for consistent caramelization.
- Serve slightly warm for a soft, gooey topping.
- For an extra touch, brush melted butter on the pineapple before sprinkling the sugar.
- Ensure the pan is level in the oven to prevent uneven caramel distribution.