Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a easy French recipe that serves 8. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by JustInCooking on YouTube.

Prep: 29 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min

Cost: $3.52 total, $0.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 80 g Granulated sugar (caramel) (Used to make the caramel base)
  • 28 g Water (For the caramel; about 2 tbsp)
  • 8 slices Canned pineapple rings in syrup (Drain but reserve syrup for juice)
  • 150 g Unsalted butter, softened (Room temperature for easy creaming)
  • 150 g Granulated sugar (batter) (Adds sweetness to the cake)
  • 3 Large eggs (At room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp Pineapple juice (from syrup) (Adds extra pineapple flavor)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Pure vanilla preferred)
  • 200 g All‑purpose flour (Sifted before adding)
  • 1 tsp Baking powder (Double‑acting)
  • 0.5 tsp Baking soda (Also called bicarbonate of soda)

Instructions

  1. Make caramel

    In a saucepan combine 80 g sugar and 28 g water. Cook over medium‑low heat, gently swirling the pan (do not stir) until the mixture turns a deep amber caramel.

    Time: PT8M

  2. Cool caramel in pan

    Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the caramel into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely until firm.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Arrange pineapple slices

    Place the 8 pineapple rings on top of the set caramel, covering the surface evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cream butter and sugar

    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 150 g granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in colour.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Add eggs

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add pineapple juice and vanilla

    Stir in 2 tbsp pineapple juice (reserved from the canned syrup) and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Incorporate dry ingredients

    Sift together 200 g flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 0.5 tsp baking soda. Fold the dry mixture into the batter just until combined; do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Pour batter over pineapple

    Gently pour the batter over the pineapple slices, smoothing the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 170 °C (340 °F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 170°C

  10. Bake the cake

    Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.

    Time: PT38M

    Temperature: 170°C

  11. Cool and invert

    Allow the cake to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake. Remove the pan and parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: March 15, 2026

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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Recipe by JustInCooking

A classic, moist pineapple upside-down cake with a caramelized pineapple topping. The caramel base is made from sugar and water, topped with canned pineapple rings, then baked with a vanilla‑flavored butter cake batter.

EasyFrenchServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
36m
Prep
46m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.52
Total cost
$0.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramel must reach a deep amber colour without burning.
  • Caramel must be fully cooled before adding pineapple and batter.
  • Eggs must be fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • Do not over‑mix after adding flour.
  • Oven must be preheated to 170 °C before baking.
  • Cake is done when a knife comes out clean.
  • Invert the cake while still warm to prevent the caramel from hardening onto the pan.

Safety Warnings

  • Caramel is extremely hot; handle with care and use oven mitts.
  • The cake and pan will be hot after baking; allow brief cooling before inverting.
  • Do not leave the caramel unattended as it can burn quickly.

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