Duncan Hines Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Imagine the smell of warm brown sugar and butter bubbling together in your kitchen, creating the perfect canvas for juicy slices of pineapple and glistening maraschino cherries. With Duncan Hines as your base, this cake doesn’t just taste incredible—it’s quick, accessible, and foolproof.
Equipment
- A 9-inch round or square cake pan
- Mixing bowls for the cake batter
- A whisk or handheld/stand mixer
- A silicone spatula (helpful for spreading batter evenly)
- A cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple slices, drained (reserve the juice)
- About 12 maraschino cherries drained
For the Cake:
- 1 box of Duncan Hines classic yellow cake mix
- 1 cup pineapple juice use in place of part of the water in the box instructions
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil per the cake mix instructions
- 3 large eggs per the cake mix instructions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your cake cook evenly. While the oven heats up, grease a 9-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray so the cake doesn’t stick. A well-greased pan will help give your cake a smooth, golden top when flipped.
Step 2: Create the Caramelized Topping
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small pan on low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar until it melts and becomes smooth. Pour this mixture into your greased pan and spread it evenly. Place pineapple slices on top in a nice pattern. Put a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple slice for a colorful, classic look.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Mix 1 box of Duncan Hines cake mix with 1 cup of pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple rings), 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Stir everything with a whisk or mixer until the batter is smooth with no lumps. The batter will be light and a bit fluffy for a soft, moist cake.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cake batter over the pineapple and caramel topping. Spread it out evenly in the pan with a spatula. Smooth the top gently so it bakes evenly. Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will smell sweet and delicious.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, grab your serving plate, place it upside down over the pan, and flip it in one quick, confident move.
Notes
This pineapple upside-down cake is all about balance—make sure the pineapple and brown sugar caramelize perfectly for that rich, golden topping. Allow the cake to cool slightly before flipping it out of the pan to prevent breaking while preserving its stunning presentation.