Bake this stunning Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake with caramelized pineapple, cherries, and moist cake. A showstopping dessert for any occasion!
Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake A Stunning Twist on a Classic
Few desserts capture nostalgia and elegance quite like a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. With its caramelized pineapple rings, sweet maraschino cherries, and buttery golden cake, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. But when you bake it in a Bundt pan, it transforms into a showstopping centerpiece that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any gathering, this Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake combines the familiar tropical flavors of the classic recipe with the dramatic presentation of a Bundt cake. Moist, rich, and flavorful, this dessert is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
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Beautiful presentation: The Bundt pan design gives it a stunning finish.
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Tropical flavor: Sweet pineapple and cherries paired with buttery cake.
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Moist and tender: Thanks to pineapple juice and a rich batter.
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Classic with a twist: Traditional upside-down cake made extra special.
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Perfect for entertaining: Feeds a crowd and looks picture-perfect.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
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½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice)
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10–12 maraschino cherries
For the Cake Batter:
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1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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1 cup reserved pineapple juice (from the can)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
Pour melted butter into the bottom of the Bundt pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange pineapple slices around the bottom of the pan, placing maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, oil, eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter gently over the pineapple and cherries, spreading evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto a serving platter. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success
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Grease the pan well so the topping doesn’t stick.
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Use fresh pineapple if you want to elevate the flavor.
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Don’t overmix the batter—just until combined.
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Invert while warm—waiting too long may make the caramelized topping stick.
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Add extra cherries between pineapple slices for more color and sweetness.
Variations
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Coconut Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical vibe.
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Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the batter.
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Rum-Soaked: Replace ¼ cup of pineapple juice with dark rum for a Caribbean flavor.
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Fresh Pineapple: Swap canned slices with thin rings of fresh pineapple.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
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Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra richness.
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Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or after-dinner dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead
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Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 12 Servings)
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Calories: 365
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Protein: 4 g
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Carbohydrates: 52 g
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Fat: 16 g
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Sugar: 32 g
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Fiber: 1 g
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake is the perfect combination of nostalgic comfort and elegant presentation. With its caramelized pineapple topping, juicy cherries, and moist cake base, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a summer gathering, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is simple yet spectacular. Once you slice into it and reveal that gorgeous pineapple-cherry pattern, you’ll see why this cake is always a crowd favorite.
Make it once, and you’ll want to bring it out for every special occasion—it’s that good.
