Tiki Rum-Infused Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist pineapple cake with a caramelized pineapple and rum glaze, topped with toasted coconut for an island-inspired dessert. This tiki dessert-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers (20 oz can, drained) pineapple rings, brown sugar, melted butter 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 320 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.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 Tiki Dessert cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange pineapple rings in a 9-inch springform pan, leaving space between rings.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 2 tbsp rum until smooth, then spread evenly over pineapple rings.
  3. Step 3: Sift together 2 cups flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt into a separate bowl.
  4. Step 4: Beat 2 eggs and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl until pale and thickened (about 3 minutes).
  5. Step 5: Gradually fold in sifted dry ingredients, then mix in 2 tbsp rum until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour batter evenly over pineapple layer, smoothing the top gently.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched and edges pull away from pan.
  8. Step 8: Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over top while warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Tiki Rum-Infused 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 Tiki Rum-Infused 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 Tiki Rum-Infused 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 Tiki Rum-Infused Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Tiki Dessert 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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