Tropical Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake
Indulge in a slice of sunshine with this Tropical Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake! This delightful dessert combines the moist, sweet flavor of pineapple with a rich, buttery brown sugar topping, all baked beautifully in a bundt pan for easy serving. Originally inspired by outdoor cooking, this adaptation transforms the classic camping treat into a heavenly home kitchen masterpiece. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet finish to any meal, this cake is sure to impress with its stunning presentation and tropical flair.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (drained, reserve juice)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Maraschino cherries
as needed (halved)
Pineapple cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (or yellow cake mix)
Eggs
3 (large)
Water
1 1/4 cups (use part reserved pineapple juice)
Oil
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a bundt pan, melt the butter in the oven until it is fully liquefied.
3
Once melted, carefully remove the pan from the oven and spray cooking spray on the unbuttered parts to ensure easy release.
4
Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan.
5
Place the halved maraschino cherries in a decorative pattern on top of the sugar.
6
Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the cherries and brown sugar mixture.
7
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, combining the cake mix, eggs, water (using some reserved pineapple juice), and oil. Mix until smooth.
8
Pour the cake batter gently over the pineapple and topping layer in the bundt pan.
9
Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11
Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter while it is still warm, ensuring all the topping releases from the pan.
12
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Tropical Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake?
The cake features a moist, sweet pineapple flavor combined with a rich, buttery brown sugar topping and tropical notes.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
A bundt pan is used to give the cake its decorative shape and allow for easy serving.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the first step in preparing the bundt pan?
The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter directly in the bundt pan in the oven until liquefied.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
After melting the butter, spray cooking spray on the unbuttered parts of the pan to ensure an easy release.
How is the brown sugar used in this recipe?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar is sprinkled evenly over the melted butter at the bottom of the pan.
How should the maraschino cherries be prepared?
The maraschino cherries should be halved and placed in a decorative pattern on top of the brown sugar.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple should be drained, but you must reserve the juice for the batter.
What type of cake mix is best for this recipe?
A 18-ounce box of pineapple cake mix is preferred, though a yellow cake mix can also be used.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
You will need 3 large eggs for the cake batter.
What liquid is used to make the cake batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of liquid, which consists of water combined with the reserved pineapple juice.
How much oil is required for the cake mix?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of oil.
In what order should the ingredients be layered in the pan?
Layer the melted butter first, then brown sugar, then halved cherries, then crushed pineapple, and finally the cake batter.
How long does the Tropical Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake take to bake?
The cake should bake for approximately 40 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When should I invert the cake onto a platter?
Invert the cake while it is still warm, a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Why should the cake be inverted while warm?
Inverting while warm ensures that the brown sugar and fruit topping releases properly from the pan.
Should I slice the cake immediately after inverting?
No, you should allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
What was the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by outdoor camping cooking and adapted for the home kitchen.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for family gatherings, parties, and summer desserts.
Can I use pineapple rings instead of crushed pineapple?
This specific recipe calls for crushed pineapple to be spread evenly, but upside-down cakes often use rings; however, crushed pineapple provides better coverage in a bundt pan.
What makes this cake 'tropical'?
The combination of pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, and the classic upside-down presentation gives it a tropical flair.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The provided recipe data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional values.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses 8 main ingredients.
Can I use a different fruit besides cherries?
While maraschino cherries are traditional for the decorative look, you could experiment with other fruits, though it would change the classic profile.
How do I handle the reserved pineapple juice?
Mix the reserved juice with water to reach the required 1 1/4 cups of liquid for the cake batter.
Is the butter melted in a separate bowl?
No, the butter is melted directly in the bundt pan while the oven preheats for convenience.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' because it uses a boxed cake mix and simple layering techniques.