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–+ servings
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a beloved American classic, especially popular in the mid-20th century when canned pineapple and boxed cake mixes became kitchen staples. The cake is recognized for its vibrant, caramelized topping of pineapples and cherries, which becomes the base of the cake while baking but transforms into the top when flipped. Originating around the 1920s, this retro dessert symbolizes convenience and sweet nostalgia, combining tropical fruit with soft, buttery cake. It's an easy go-to for family gatherings and potlucks, offering a beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling and Assembly 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 20 oz pineapple slices (drained)
  • maraschino cherries (cut in half)
  • 1 box box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines )
  • whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  • Melt ½ cup butter in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle ½ cup brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.

Step 2: Add Fruit Toppings

  • Drain pineapple slices and cut maraschino cherries in half.
  • Arrange the pineapple slices and halved cherries over the brown sugar layer.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Cake Batter

  • Prepare yellow cake mix according to package instructions.
  • Pour the batter evenly over the fruit in the pan.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Invert

  • Let the cake stand for 5 minutes after baking.
  • Turn it upside down onto a cookie sheet and let it cool.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Once cool, top with whipped cream and serve.

Tips

  • Add a touch of rum or pineapple juice to the brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Substitute fresh pineapple for a fresher taste.
  • Use a bundt pan for a different presentation.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.9mg
Keyword cake, classic, dincan hines, marachino cherries, Pineapple, potluck dessert, retro recipes, vintage, whipped cream, yellow cake mix
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