Pineapple Upside Down Cake with cake mix is a delicious dessert. First, put pineapple rings and cherries in butter and sugar at the bottom of the pan.
Then, pour the cake mix on top. Bake until the cake is golden and soft, and when you turn it over, the caramelized fruit is on top.
It’s not hard like most people think. Follow me, and you’ll see how simple it really is.
Ingredient Overview
Before you start baking your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix, gather your ingredients. You can find exact amounts in the card recipe below.
Cake mix
The base of your cake gives you a soft and fluffy texture. You can choose a yellow or butter cake mix.
Tips: I go with the yellow one in my Yellow Cake Mix Recipe, and it gives me a really good result, so I recommend it.
Pineapple slices
It adds a natural sweetness and a light tropical flavor that goes perfectly with the rich caramel topping. You should use ring slices so they fit nicely and look beautiful on your cake.
Maraschino cherries
Optional, but perfect for adding a pop of color and extra sweetness.
Butter
Melts into the sugar to create a rich and gooey caramel layer under the pineapple.
Brown sugar
Combines with butter for a perfectly sweet and sticky topping that will caramelize in the oven.
Eggs
Provide structure, moisture, and richness to your cake.
Milk or water
Keeps the cake tender and soft while mixing with the cake mix.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating a pineapple upside down cake with cake mix is straightforward if you follow my steps carefully.
Prepare the Pan and Topping
Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar, then pour it into a greased pan.
Add Pineapple and Cherries
Place the pineapple slices on top and add a cherry in the center if you want. This helps your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix turn out sweet and golden on top.
Make the Cake Batter
Prepare the cake batter by following the directions on the cake mix box. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, then mix until smooth. Do not mix too much, or the cake may turn heavy.
When the batter is ready, slowly pour it over the pineapple and caramel in the pan. Spread it gently so the pineapple stays in place.
Bake and Serve
Bake your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix for the time listed on the box, usually 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Carefully turn your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix onto a plate. The pineapple and caramel will be on top and look beautiful.
Tips: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before flipping it so the topping stays in place. Serve it warm for a soft, sticky topping or let it cool for easy slicing.
Helpful Tips
You can make your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix even better with these simple tips.
Do not skip greasing
Even with butter, you should make sure your pan is well prepared. This helps your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix come out easily.
Do not overmix
When you mix your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix batter too much, it can become heavy. Mix just until smooth.
Use pineapple juice
If you want more flavor, use pineapple juice instead of water in your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix.
Let it cool before flipping
Give your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix a few minutes before turning it over. This helps keep the shape.
Use the right pan
A good pan helps your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix bake evenly and release easily.
Classic Comforts and Dreamy Desserts
- Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy, rich, and topped with sweet strawberries
Storage Instructions
Knowing how to store your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix properly will keep it fresh and delicious for longer.
- Room temperature: Cover your cake and store it on the counter for one to two days. This keeps it moist and ready to serve.
- Refrigerator: Place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for three to four days. This is ideal if you want to keep it longer while maintaining freshness.
- Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw completely before serving to restore its soft texture and caramel flavor.
Proper storage ensures that every slice of your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix tastes as good as the first.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix
Equipment
- 9 inch round baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1 third cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple slices
- 1 can Maraschino cherries optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 C
- Melt butter in the baking pan
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter
- Arrange pineapple slices on top of the sugar
- Place cherries in the center of each pineapple slice if using
- In a bowl mix cake mix eggs and water or milk until smooth
- Pour the batter over the pineapple layer
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes
- Flip the cake onto a plate and serve
Notes
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pineapple, but it needs to be sliced thin and patted dry to avoid extra moisture. Canned pineapple is more uniform and consistent.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Definitely, a pineapple upside down cake with cake mix is versatile enough for different cake flavors. Vanilla, butter, yellow, or even spice cake mixes can all produce delicious results.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?
You can skip the cherries altogether or replace them with dried cranberries, raspberries, or even slices of kiwi for something more colorful.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes. Making your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix the night before an event works perfectly. Just keep it covered in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking when flipping?
Use generous amounts of butter or nonstick spray, and let the cake rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before flipping. This gives it time to set and separate from the pan.
