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Slice of pineapple upside down cake with cake mix showing caramelized pineapple topping and fork with a bite

Quick Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

  • Author: Elle
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This pineapple upside down cake with cake mix is the ultimate time-saving dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Caramelized pineapple rings, buttery brown sugar, and a rich yellow cake create a sweet, nostalgic classic — all made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for holidays or everyday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 can pineapple slices in juice (20 oz), drained and juice reserved
  • 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 10 maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter to form a base.
  4. Arrange pineapple slices over the brown sugar and place a cherry in the center of each slice.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, reserved pineapple juice, oil, and eggs.
  6. Mix the batter until just combined and smooth—do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter gently over the arranged fruit in the pan.
  8. Bake the pineapple upside down cake with cake mix for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick
  9. inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  11. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist.
  • Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s aroma.
  • Use a butter cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for extra richness.
  • If using fresh pineapple, slice it thinly and pat it dry before layering.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a certified gluten-free cake mix.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 340 Kcal
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: pineapple upside down cake with cake mix, easy pineapple upside down cake, cake mix pineapple dessert, quick pineapple cake recipe, classic upside down cake, canned pineapple cake, pineapple cake with cherries

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Find it online: https://dwelldelightfully.com/pineapple-upside-down-cake-with-cake-mix/