Simply Scrumptious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (Cake Mix Hack!)

Okay, darling, let's spill the tea on how to whip up this simply scrumptious pineapple upside down cake with a cheeky cake mix hack.

Honestly, this recipe is foolproof, even if your baking skills are a bit... shall we say, rustic ? we're talking about a classic that tastes like childhood nostalgia, but without all the fuss.

So put on your aprons, and let's get baking.

Pineapple Perfection: Why You'll Love This Cake

Ever wondered where this beauty came from? the concept has roots stretching back centuries, with various "upside down" cakes appearing across different cultures.

This specific juicy pineapple cake version? it screams mid-century americana, a real pineapple juice cake pioneer woman kind of bake.

It’s a simple, comforting treat that's perfect for sunday tea or even just a mid-week pick-me-up. this recipe is super easy , takes about an hour from start to finish, and makes enough for about 8 servings.

The Secret to a Show Stopping Upside Down Cake

Forget spending hours in the kitchen. this easiest pineapple cake recipe uses a cake mix to save you time and energy.

The main benefit? it's practically impossible to mess up. seriously, even my mate dave, who can't boil an egg without setting off the smoke alarm, has nailed this recipe.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that's pure comfort food. think of it as sunshine on a plate.

And who doesn't need a little sunshine?

Caramelized Goodness: Let's Talk Ingredients

We’re talking simple, readily available ingredients here. for the show stopping caramel, you'll need half a cup of melted butter and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar.

Oh, and can’t forget the star of the show a 20-ounce can of pineapple slices, drained well. a jar of maraschino cherries (optional, but highly recommended!).

For the cake, grab your favorite yellow cake mix. box instructions normally requires water, oil, and some eggs. that’s it! no need to break the bank or hunt down obscure ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Bake On!

Okay, so you're thinking about tackling my pineapple upside down cake with a cake mix? smart move! it's ridiculously easy, i promise.

Forget those complicated recipes, we're keeping it simple, but absolutely scrumptious. think of this as your cheat sheet to dessert deliciousness.

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

Alright, here's the shopping list, broken down so even I can follow it, and trust me, that's saying something. For the Pineapple Upside Down Bundt cake's fruity layer, you'll need:

• Melted unsalted butter: ½ cup (that's around 113g for my metric friends). Get the good stuff!
• Packed light brown sugar: ¾ cup (or 150g). Brown sugar = sticky caramel goodness.
• Canned pineapple slices: 1 can ( 20-ounce/567g ). Drained, seriously, drain them . Nobody wants a soggy bottom.
• Maraschino cherries: Optional, but honestly, who can resist?

Now for the cake part my little secret weapon: a box of yellow cake mix. We're making the Easiest Pineapple Cake , remember?

• Yellow cake mix: 1 box ( 15.25-ounce/432g ). Any brand will do!
• Whatever the box tells you to add (usually water, oil, and eggs). Typically for me that would be 1 cup water (240ml), ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml) and 3 large eggs.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

Honestly? this is where you can get a little creative. for that juicy pineapple cake flavour, i sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter, gives it a little something something .

You could even add a splash of pineapple juice cake pioneer woman uses. for a quick substitution, if you're all out of nutmeg, ground cloves or even pumpkin pie spice could work.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

Don’t stress, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. The Easiest Pineapple Cake Recipe doesn't require that:

• 9 inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

If you don't have a whisk, use a fork. No fancy spatula? A spoon will do. We're going for taste, not perfection. You could make mini Torte Cupcake version too!

Alright, let's get cracking on this pineapple upside down cake with cake mix masterpiece! think mary berry meets betty crocker, but with a little bit of my own chef-y magic sprinkled in.

Honestly, this recipe is so easy, even i can't mess it up and that's saying something.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Pineapple Cake Mission Control

First things first, get all your bits and bobs ready. we're talking mise en place , darling! melt your ½ cup of butter.

Grab your ¾ cup of brown sugar. and drain that can of pineapple slices like your life depends on it nobody wants a soggy cake bottom.

Oh, and dig out your cake mix! time saving tip? get a yellow one, trust me. and definitely don't forget to grease your 9 inch round cake pan unless you fancy battling with a stuck cake later!

Baking Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix: Easy Peasy!

Right, let's do this! It’s so simple:

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is your foundation.

2. Melt your butter and then pour into the pan, before sprinkling that brown sugar on top.

3. Get arranging those pineapple slices all pretty like in the pan. Pop a cherry in the middle of each one if you're feeling fancy.

4. Mix that cake batter according to the box instructions. Usually, it's 1 cup of water, ½ cup of oil, and 3 eggs but double check.

5. Gently pour the batter over the pineapple.

6. Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The edges should be turning golden brown. Stick a toothpick in if it comes out clean, you're golden!

7. Let the cake cool for 10- 15 minutes.

8. Invert on a plate. Serve warm!

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt and More: Pro Tips

Want to make your pineapple upside down cake with cake mix a total showstopper? drain the pineapples really well, or it will not come out juicy pineapple cake .

A little pineapple juice cake pioneer woman secret is using the best quality cake mix possible. the easiest pineapple cake recipe avoids this mistake.

And don't overbake it! no one wants a dry cake. honestly, underbaking is much better.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the batter. or sprinkle some chopped nuts (pecans are amazing!) over the pineapple before baking.

make-ahead tip? you can make the caramel and arrange the pineapple the night before. just cover it with cling film.

Now go forth and bake!

Recipe Notes

Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for your utterly divine pineapple upside down cake with cake mix! honestly, this is where you can really put your own spin on things and make it your masterpiece.

I can't tell you how many times i've tweaked recipes based on what i've got knocking about in the cupboard, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so presentation is key, isn't it? for plating, think about how the cake looks once you've flipped it. those gorgeous caramelised pineapples are the stars, so show them off! a simple dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance.

My nan always served it with a side of custard - proper old school! vanilla ice cream is another winner, or even a dollop of whipped cream if you're feeling fancy.

For drinks, think complementary flavours. a light rum punch, or even just a strong cup of builder's tea, goes down a treat.

You know that juicy pineapple cake taste? you want to enhance it!

Storage Secrets

Right, if you're lucky enough to have any left (doubtful!), here's how to keep it tip-top. for refrigeration, wrap the cake tightly in cling film or foil and it'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing is also an option. cut it into individual portions and wrap each one well. it'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating is a doddle either microwave individual slices for a few seconds or pop it in a low oven (around 150° c/ 300° f) for 10- 15 minutes.

Remixing the Classics

Fancy a twist? you know, sometimes i wonder if a pineapple upside down bundt cake would work... dietary adaptations are easy peasy.

For a gluten-free version, just use a gluten-free cake mix. simple! for a slightly healthier option, you can try swapping half the oil for applesauce it adds a lovely moistness.

Seasonal ingredient swaps? in autumn, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. seriously elevates the easiest pineapple cake recipe !

Nutrition Lowdown

Right, let's be honest, this pineapple juice cake pioneer woman recipe isn't exactly health food, is it? but everything in moderation, eh? as a rough guide, a slice will probably clock in around 350-450 calories, give or take.

It's got a fair bit of sugar from the caramel and the cake mix, but it also contains some vitamins from the pineapple.

Plus, a little bit of what you fancy does you good! easiest pineapple cake really nails comfort food!

So there you have it a proper guide to making this pineapple upside down cake with a cake mix.

Now get in the kitchen, whack on some tunes, and get baking! even if it doesn't look perfect, it'll still taste amazing.

And that's what really matters, isn't it? you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my pineapple upside down cake with cake mix turn out soggy?

Sogginess is the nemesis of a good pineapple upside down cake! The main culprit is usually excess moisture from the pineapple. Make sure you drain the pineapple slices really well, and even pat them dry with paper towels before arranging them in the pan. Also, don't over measure the liquid called for in the cake mix!

Can I make pineapple upside down cake with fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely, you can! Fresh pineapple will bring a slightly tangier flavour. Just be sure to peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings about ½ inch thick. You may want to sauté the fresh pineapple rings in butter and brown sugar for a few minutes before arranging them in the pan to help soften them and caramelize them properly think of it as a little "prep" to ensure they're as delightful as their canned counterparts.

How do I store leftover pineapple upside down cake with cake mix?

To keep your delightful pineapple upside down cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it, which will extend its shelf life to about 5 days, but the cake might dry out a bit.

If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Is there a way to make a healthier pineapple upside down cake with cake mix?

While it's still a treat, there are some tweaks you can make. Try using a reduced sugar cake mix, or substitute unsweetened applesauce for the oil in the cake mix batter. You could also reduce the amount of brown sugar in the caramel layer slightly, without compromising the deliciousness too much.

Every little bit helps, right?

How can I prevent my pineapple upside down cake from sticking to the pan when inverting?

This is a classic baking drama, but easily avoided. Generously greasing your cake pan is paramount, and using a non-stick pan is a great help. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for the recommended time (usually 10-15 minutes).

Then, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake before inverting. A little patience and a steady hand will help you achieve a clean release!

My cake mix box says to bake at a different temperature - what temp should I use for this pineapple upside down cake with cake mix recipe?

Good question! Since we're adding a caramel layer, it's generally best to stick with the temperature in the recipe (350°F/175°C), which is slightly lower than some cake mix instructions. A lower temp helps prevent the caramel from burning while ensuring the cake bakes evenly.

Trust the process, and keep an eye on it you know your oven best!