Go Back
–+ servings
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix

Make a delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix in no time! This classic dessert features a caramelized brown sugar and pineapple topping with a moist, buttery cake base. Simply arrange pineapple slices and maraschino cherries in a cake pan, pour over melted butter and brown sugar, then top with a quick batter made from yellow cake mix, pineapple juice, eggs, and vanilla. Bake until golden, then flip for a stunning, fruit-topped masterpiece. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe also includes variations for mini cakes, vegan, and gluten-free options. A nostalgic treat everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan (or a 9x13-inch baking dish)
  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Electric mixer (or whisk)
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Small saucepan (for melting butter and sugar)
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick (for testing doneness)
  • Knife (if using fresh pineapple)
  • Oven mitts (for safe handling)

Ingredients
  

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup butter softened butter or unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar mix
  • 1 can pineapple slices or fresh pineapple reserve 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 12 maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves optional

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 3 eggs or egg yolks for richness
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease a cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Make the Topping

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in the brown sugar mix until it forms a caramel sauce.
  • Pour the mixture into the bottom of the pan and arrange the pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: yellow cake mix, teaspoon salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Using an electric mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
  • Beat at medium speed until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

  • Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple topping.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then flip onto a large plate.

Notes

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
  • Place a pineapple ring, a maraschino cherry at the centre, and a spoonful of brown sugar butter mixture at the bottom of each muffin tin.
  • Follow the same steps as above but divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
  • Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Cool on a wire rack before removing from the muffin pan.
 
Vegan and Gluten-Free Versions
Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Swap eggs for flax eggs.
  • Use dairy-free butter.
  • Choose a vegan boxed cake mix.
Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Use gluten-free yellow cake mix.
  • Make sure the canned pineapple and maraschino cherries are gluten-free.
 
Toppings and Add-Ons
  • Whipped cream
  • Caramel sauce
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Pineapple tidbits
  • Vanilla ice cream
 
Pro Tip
  • You can replace the caramel sauce with maple syrup or even honey!
 
Tips for Success
  • Always use room temperature ingredients.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
 
Serving Suggestions
  • Serve warm with whipped cream.
  • Pair with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSugar: 27g
Keyword boxed cake mix, canned pineapple, caramel sauce, classic dessert, fresh pineapple, maraschino cherries, mini pineapple cakes, mini pineapple upside-down cakes, pineapple ring, pineapple slices, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix, yellow cake mix
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!