Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet Cake
Golden caramelized pineapple rings atop a moist vanilla butter cake baked in a skillet for a stunning presentation. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers unsalted butter, brown sugar, pineapple rings (canned or fresh) 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 6 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9-inch oven-safe skillet, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat, then stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar until it dissolves and bubbles lightly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Arrange 6 pineapple rings evenly over the caramel in the skillet, pressing gently.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined.
- Step 6: Spoon the batter evenly over the pineapple rings in the skillet, smoothing the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate so the pineapple rings are on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet Cake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet 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 Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet 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 Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet 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 Upside-Down Caramelized Pineapple Skillet Cake?
American 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.
