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Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Transform the classic pineapple upside down cake into charming individual servings! These mini cakes feature sweet pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and a buttery brown sugar topping that caramelizes perfectly while baking.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:02 GMT
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A plate of pineapple upside-down mini cakes topped with cherries. Pin it
A plate of pineapple upside-down mini cakes topped with cherries. | zestplate.com

I've been making this easy pineapple upside down cake recipe for years but turning them into minis was a game changer! These cute little homemade pineapple upside down cakes are crowned with sweet pineapple rings and cherries making them super moist and perfect for sharing. Using a box cake mix keeps this pineapple cake recipe simple yet they taste completely homemade with that amazing caramel crust everyone fights over.

What You Need For Perfect Pineapple Cake

  • Pineapple Rings: One can is perfect for this easy pineapple upside down cake recipe.
  • Cake Mix: Yellow or white mix plus box ingredients (we'll use pineapple juice instead of water).
  • Butter: Half cup unsalted melted for that caramel goodness.
  • Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons packed makes the magic happen.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Twelve bright red cherries for classic pineapple upside down cake style.

Making Your Mini Cakes Step by Step

  1. Get Started: Heat your oven to 350°F and spray your jumbo muffin pan. This homemade pineapple upside down cake recipe works best with a good non-stick spray.
  2. Create The Base: Pour melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar in each cup this makes that signature pineapple cake topping.
  3. Layer The Fruit: Add your pineapple rings and pop a cherry in the center just like a classic pineapple upside down cake.
  4. Mix Your Batter: Here's my secret for extra flavor use the pineapple juice instead of water in your cake mix.
  5. Fill And Bake: Add batter to each cup and bake until golden about 30 minutes.
  6. Cool Then Flip: Let them rest 10 minutes loosen edges then flip onto a baking sheet.
  7. Final Touch: Let these easy pineapple upside down cakes cool completely before serving.

Tips For The Best Homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Pineapple Options: While rings look classic in this pineapple cake recipe tidbits or crushed work great too especially in regular muffin tins.
  • Pan Choices: No jumbo tin? Regular muffin pans work for these easy pineapple upside down cakes just cut the fruit to fit.
  • Storage Tips: Keep your homemade pineapple upside down cake fresh in the fridge for 2 days but they're best within 24 hours.
  • Freezing: These mini pineapple cakes freeze beautifully wrap individually and thaw at room temp when ready.
A tray of miniature pineapple upside-down cakes topped with maraschino cherries. Pin it
A tray of miniature pineapple upside-down cakes topped with maraschino cherries. | zestplate.com

Serving Your Perfect Pineapple Cake

These mini homemade pineapple upside down cakes steal the show at any gathering! Serve them warm topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Everyone loves having their own personal pineapple cake and they look so pretty on a dessert table. Perfect for parties potlucks or anytime you want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular muffin tins instead of jumbo?

Yes, but you'll need to cut the pineapple rings smaller or use crushed pineapple instead. Reduce baking time by about 5-8 minutes.

→ Why use pineapple juice instead of water?

Using the reserved pineapple juice adds extra flavor to the cake and ensures nothing goes to waste from the canned pineapple.

→ How do I prevent the cakes from sticking?

Spray the pan well with non-stick spray and let the cakes rest 10 minutes after baking before flipping. Run a knife around edges if needed.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, make up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Warm slightly before serving if desired.

→ Why did my topping stick to the pan?

Make sure to flip while still warm and wait the full 5 minutes after flipping before lifting the pan. The caramel needs time to release.

Mini Pineapple Cakes

Create delightful single-serve pineapple upside down cakes with sweet cherries and caramelized pineapple rings. Perfect party dessert.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup butter, melted.
02 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar.
03 20 oz can pineapple rings (reserve juice).
04 12 maraschino cherries.
05 15.25 oz yellow or white cake mix.
06 Ingredients called for on cake mix box (using pineapple juice instead of water).

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray two jumbo muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 02

Carefully distribute melted butter between muffin wells, measuring half tablespoon for each cavity to ensure even distribution.

Step 03

Measure two tablespoons brown sugar for each well, sprinkling it evenly over the melted butter layer.

Step 04

Place one whole pineapple ring in each muffin well, then nestle a bright red maraschino cherry in center.

Step 05

Prepare cake batter according to box directions, substituting reserved pineapple juice wherever water is called for.

Step 06

Mix cake batter thoroughly with hand mixer until smooth, ensuring no dry ingredients remain visible.

Step 07

Pour prepared batter evenly over pineapple rings, filling each muffin well about three-quarters full for proper rising.

Step 08

Bake for thirty minutes, preferably one pan at a time, until cake tester comes out clean.

Step 09

Let cakes rest in pans for ten minutes after removing from oven to set properly.

Step 10

Carefully run butter knife around edges to loosen, then place cooling rack on top of pan.

Step 11

In one swift motion, flip pan and rack together over baking sheet to catch any syrup drips.

Step 12

Wait five more minutes before slowly lifting pan away, allowing cakes to release completely.

Notes

  1. Can use regular muffin tins.
  2. Makes perfect party desserts.
  3. Great make-ahead option.
  4. Stores well overnight.

Tools You'll Need

  • Jumbo muffin pans.
  • Hand mixer.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Eggs (in cake mix).
  • Wheat (cake mix).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 341
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 66 g
  • Protein: 2 g