Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

March 4, 2025

Updated:

March 4, 2025

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This Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake is not just a cake—it’s an experience! Imagine pulling a beautifully sculpted cake from the oven, its golden crust glistening with caramelized pineapple and cherries peeking through. With each slice, you reveal a tender, moist cake that perfectly complements that fruit topping. The air fills with the warm aroma of vanilla and pineapple, inviting your friends and family to gather around the table. It harkens back to simpler times, where flavorful desserts brought everyone together. Perfect for celebrations, family dinners, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake packs nostalgia and joy in every bite. So, grab your apron, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist cake, combined with a caramelized pineapple topping, creates a delightful harmony that enchants your taste buds. The bundt shape ensures even baking and adds a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress.

The ingredients work together seamlessly, resulting in a cake that is moist but not overly dense. The caramel sauce made from brown sugar and butter forms a luscious base that soaks into the cake while baking. This combination allows the delicious flavors to meld beautifully, showcasing the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the butter.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

This recipe is not just a sweet treat, but a memory-maker. The nostalgic combination of pineapple and cherries invokes feelings of warm family gatherings and celebrations. The ease of preparation, stunning appearance, and delicious flavor make it a go-to dessert for any occasion.

When you serve this cake, you’ll find that it sparks conversation and brings back delightful memories. It’s not just about that first bite; it’s about sharing smiles, laughter, and stories with loved ones. Plus, who wouldn’t love a cake that looks as good as it tastes?

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake, gather these ingredients:

1 ½ cups salted butter (12 ounces), at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar (600 grams)
5 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour (390 grams)
1 teaspoon baking powder (3 grams)
½ teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract (27 grams)
¾ cup pineapple juice (6 ounces)
½ cup light brown sugar (100 grams)
½ cup salted butter (4 ounces), melted
6 pineapple rings
Maraschino cherries

These ingredients come together to create a delightful symphony of flavors that will astonish your taste buds.

Preparing the Bundt Pan

Before baking, you’ll want to give your bundt pan some love. Preheat your oven to 325°F. While that heats up, grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with shortening and dust it with flour. This step is crucial because it makes sure your cake slides out beautifully, maintaining that stunning shape. For convenience, you can also use a cake release spray like Baker’s Joy.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, grab your stand mixer or electric mixer to cream together 1 ½ cups of salted butter and 3 cups of granulated sugar.

Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This process creates those tiny air pockets that will help your cake rise beautifully.

Adding Eggs

Once your butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, it’s time to bring in the eggs. Add in 5 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition until everything is blended thoroughly. Each egg adds moisture and richness; you’ll love the transformation!

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Next, to the egg mixture, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Gently mix until smooth. Be careful not to overmix—this is key to maintaining that fluffy texture we aim for. You want to see no streaks of flour, but small lumps are okay.

Mixing in Vanilla and Pineapple Juice

Now for a special touch! Pour in 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract and ¾ cup of pineapple juice. Mix until well combined, taking care not to over-process the batter. This will give the cake that fantastic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pineapple topping.

Preparing the Pineapple Topping

Let’s work on that delicious topping! In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup of light brown sugar with ½ cup of melted salted butter. This mix creates that gooey, caramelized base for your pineapple. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

Arranging Pineapple and Cherries

Now it’s time for the fun part—arranging the fruit! Place the 6 pineapple rings around the bottom of the pan. Then, for an extra pop of color, position a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring and sprinkle a few in between. This step brings a festive touch to your cake!

Adding the Cake Batter

After the pineapple layer is set up, spread your prepared cake batter evenly over the pineapple layer in the bundt pan. Make sure to cover the fruit completely for the best presentation. This will help keep the toppings intact when you invert the cake later.

Baking the Cake

Now, let your oven do the magic! Bake your Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake in the preheated oven for 70-90 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set, and the internal temperature reaches between 200-210°F.

You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Inverting the Bundt Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a serving tray. Be quick about this! If you wait too long, the brown sugar mixture will harden and make it difficult for the cake to release from the pan.

Carefully flip it over, and watch as that beautiful topping glides right onto the serving tray!

Cooling and Storing

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. An airtight container at room temperature works best. You’ll find that this cake tastes even better if served the day after baking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve your Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh fruit or a light citrus salad can also enhance its tropical flavor, making each bite a taste of summer.

Tips for Success

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Avoid opening the oven door in the first 70 minutes to prevent the cake from collapsing.
Use a toothpick to check for doneness; insert it into the center, and it should come out clean.

Variations

For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the batter or top it.
Experiment with different fruits like peaches or cherries for a seasonal flair.
Try adding crushed pineapple to the batter for extra moisture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, just let it thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually benefits from being made a day in advance as the flavors meld beautifully.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant taste, but be sure to slice it evenly.

3. Is this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.

4. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

5. What should I do if the cake sticks to the pan?
If it does stick, you can warm the pan slightly over low heat, which may help loosen the cake.

The Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake is a delightful blend of sweetness and nostalgia. With its charming presentation and tropical flavors, it’s a dessert that will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Easy to make and hard to resist, this cake is perfect for any gathering or simply to enjoy at home. Whether served plain or with a scoop of ice cream, it offers a taste of sunshine in every bite.

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