Description
A moist, sweet, and incredibly easy pineapple upside down cake made with just five pantry staples. This caramelized dessert is ready in 45 minutes and serves as a reliable, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20oz) pineapple slices in juice (ring-cut)
- 1 box (15.25oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 small box (3.4oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
- Liquids called for on cake mix box (water/oil), with half replaced by pineapple juice
- Optional: 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
- Optional: 12 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (stovetop or microwave). Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter and press down slightly.
- Drain pineapple slices and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange slices in a single layer on top of the brown sugar, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Add cherries on top if using.
- In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. Add remaining liquids from the cake mix box, replacing half with pineapple juice. Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until smooth and thick.
- Pour batter over the pineapple slices and spread evenly. Tap the skillet gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for exactly 5 minutes. Place a large serving plate upside down over the skillet. Firmly hold the plate and skillet handle, then flip them over in one confident motion. Lift the skillet straight up to release the cake.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Ensure brown sugar is evenly distributed to prevent sticking. Do not overbake; check at 35 minutes. Use room temperature eggs for better batter texture. Flip the cake within 5 minutes of removing from the oven to prevent the caramel from hardening and sticking. If using fresh pineapple, cook slices first to deactivate enzymes that can make the cake gummy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: pineapple upside down cake, easy dessert, 5 ingredient cake, cast iron dessert, quick baking, tropical dessert, cake mix hacks