Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Indulge in a nostalgic slice of paradise with this Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, a delightful twist on a classic dessert that transports you straight to carefree days in Gramma's kitchen. With its soft, buttery yellow cake base, sweet and tangy caramelized pineapple slices, and luscious maraschino cherries, this cake is the perfect balance of flavors that will charm both young and old alike. So simple to make, it’s sure to become a treasured family recipe you’ll want to whip up time and again, whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 (18 ounce) package (Prepared according to package directions (I prefer butter mix))
Eggs
3 (Use as required by the cake mix)
Oil
1/3 cup (Use as required by the cake mix)
Water
1 1/3 cups (Use as required by the cake mix)
Margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Pineapple slices
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Maraschino cherries
10 (Halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In the 13x9 inch baking pan, place the margarine and place it in the oven during the preheating process until melted, being careful not to let it burn.
3
Once the margarine has melted, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted margarine to create a sweet caramelized base.
4
Arrange the drained pineapple slices over the brown sugar layer. For a beautiful presentation, place four slices down the middle and then arrange three slices on each side.
5
Add a halved maraschino cherry, rounded side down, inside each pineapple ring, providing a pop of color and flavor.
6
Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, incorporating the eggs, oil, and water as listed.
7
Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries, ensuring even coverage.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the cake to stand for about 5 minutes to let the caramelized topping slightly set.
10
To serve, carefully place a large platter or cookie sheet over the cake and flip it upside down, allowing the pineapple and caramel sauce to flow down the sides.
11
Let the cake sit for a few minutes before removing the pan to let the topping fully run out.
12
Cool completely before slicing. This cake is delightful when served slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?
It is a nostalgic dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake base topped with sweet caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.
What oven temperature should I use?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is needed for this recipe.
How is the margarine melted?
Place the margarine in the baking pan and put it in the oven during the preheating process until it is fully melted.
How do I create the caramelized base?
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted margarine in the bottom of the pan.
How should the pineapple slices be arranged?
Place four slices down the middle of the pan and three slices on each side for a beautiful presentation.
Should the pineapple be drained?
Yes, ensure the pineapple slices are drained before placing them over the brown sugar layer.
Where do the maraschino cherries go?
Place one halved maraschino cherry, rounded side down, inside the center of each pineapple ring.
What kind of cake mix is used?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce package of yellow cake mix.
What additional ingredients are needed for the cake mix?
You will need 3 eggs, 1/3 cup of oil, and 1 1/3 cups of water, or as specified by the cake mix package directions.
How should the batter be added to the pan?
Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries to ensure even coverage without disturbing the fruit.
How long does the cake bake?
Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes.
How can I tell when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake stand after being removed from the oven?
Let the cake stand for about 5 minutes to allow the caramelized topping to slightly set.
How do I flip the cake upside down?
Place a large platter or cookie sheet over the pan and carefully flip it over.
Why should I let the pan sit after flipping?
Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the pineapple and caramel sauce to fully run out and flow down the sides.
Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, the cake is delightful when served slightly warm.
What is a recommended topping for serving?
A dollop of whipped cream is a perfect addition when serving the cake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What type of oil should be used?
Use 1/3 cup of oil as required by the yellow cake mix instructions.
How much brown sugar is used for the caramel layer?
The recipe requires 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
How many pineapple slices are needed?
One 20-ounce can of pineapple slices is sufficient for the layout.
How should the cherries be prepared?
You will need 10 maraschino cherries, which should be halved.
Is margarine better than butter for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for margarine, you can use a butter-based cake mix for extra flavor.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
The classic version uses yellow cake, but you could experiment with other flavors if desired.
How do I prevent the margarine from burning in the oven?
Watch the pan closely during preheating and remove it as soon as the margarine has melted.
What gives the cake its tropical flavor?
The combination of pineapple slices and maraschino cherries provides its signature tropical profile.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, using a cake mix and simple layering techniques makes this an easy and accessible recipe.
Should the cake be cooled completely before slicing?
Yes, for the best results, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into pieces.
What is the texture of the cake base?
The cake base is soft, buttery, and moist, complementing the sweet fruit topping.