Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe with Cake Mix: Easy & Delicious!

Want a delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? This pineapple upside-down cake recipe using cake mix is your answer! It's a classic recipe made simpler, perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. This guide provides a step-by-step recipe, tips for success, and variations to make it your own.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe relies on a cake mix for convenience, but the result is far from ordinary!

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from a can of pineapple)
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional)

Equipment:

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Caramel Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2. In the prepared pan, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bottom.
3. Arrange the drained pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar, slightly overlapping. Tuck the maraschino cherries (if using) between the pineapple slices for added color and flavor.

Step 2: Making the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and reserved pineapple juice.
2. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and well combined. Don't overmix!

Step 3: Baking the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter evenly over the pineapple and brown sugar mixture in the pan.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.

Step 4: Inverting and Serving

1. Carefully run a knife or spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.
2. Place a serving plate upside down on top of the pan.
3. Quickly and carefully invert the pan, letting the cake fall onto the plate. The caramelized brown sugar and pineapple will now be on top!
4. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

• Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
• Use fresh pineapple: If you have access to fresh pineapple, feel free to use it! Just be sure to cut it into similar-sized slices as the canned pineapple.
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different nuts, spices, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce after inverting the cake.

Variations:

• Coconut Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
• Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the batter.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting on each slice.

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