Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A caramelized pineapple and coconut upside-down cake with a fluffy sponge, ideal for a Tiki bar dessert with a tropical twist. This Tropical-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers brown sugar, pineapple, coconut flakes into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 Tropical cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread brown sugar in a greased cake pan, then layer pineapple and coconut flakes on top.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour batter over the fruit mixture.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool, then invert onto a serving plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple Upside-Down Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Tropical desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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