Irresistible Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe with Cake Mix – Quick and So Delicious

If there’s one dessert that instantly brings me back to childhood potlucks and Sunday family dinners, it’s a good old-fashioned pineapple upside down cake recipe with cake mix. The glossy pineapple rings, those maraschino cherries tucked in the center like rubies, and that sweet brown sugar glaze soaking into golden cake, what’s not to love? Using a trusted Duncan Hines cake mix as the base, this recipe combines convenience with homemade charm, allowing even beginners to whip up a stunning dessert.

This retro classic has stuck around for a reason. It’s surprisingly simple to pull off, yet it feels impressive every time you flip that pan and unveil the golden crown of fruit. What makes this version shine? It starts with a boxed cake mix, which means you skip the mess of measuring flour and sugar, and still get a fluffy, moist cake base.

Why This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe with Cake Mix Just Works

What sets this recipe apart is that it gives you the gorgeous texture and flavor of a made-from-scratch dessert, without the hassle. The boxed yellow cake mix guarantees a soft, tender crumb every single time. Meanwhile, the butter and brown sugar topping caramelizes into a sticky, golden syrup that seeps into the fruit and the cake as it bakes.

Using the juice from the canned pineapple instead of water in the cake mix adds another layer of flavor and richness, enhancing that fruity taste we all crave in a pineapple upside down cake. And trust me, that small substitution goes a long way.

This recipe also gives you room to play. Want it extra tropical? Add shredded coconut to the batter. Prefer less sweetness? Cut the sugar in the topping just a bit. You can make this recipe your own without messing up the balance.

It’s also incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, the boxed mix levels the playing field. The real “wow” factor comes when you invert the cake and those glossy pineapple rings are revealed, like edible stained glass.

Recipe Card

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe with Cake Mix

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10-12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Transform a classic dessert into a showstopper with this pineapple upside-down cake recipe with cake mix. Juicy pineapples, caramelized sugar, and a moist Duncan Hines cake mix make this dessert irresistibly easy and delightful!

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Ingredients

• For the topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice, drained

• 10–12 maraschino cherries

• For the Cake

• 1 box Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix

• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple)

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting the pan to evenly coat the bottom.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
• Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, and eggs.
• Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
• Gently pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherries, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Run a knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.
• Place a large serving plate or tray over the pan and carefully flip the cake over. Tap the bottom of the pan to release the cake, then lift it away to reveal the pineapple topping.

Notes

• Use the juice from the canned pineapple for the best flavor in your cake mix.
• Fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned if desired, but the caramelization may differ slightly.
• The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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How to Nail This Cake Every Time

• Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter and brown sugar create the caramelized topping, so make sure to use the full amount for a rich, golden finish.
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a dense texture. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Cool Before Flipping: Let the cake rest for about 10 minutes after baking to prevent the topping from sticking to the pan.
• Experiment with Shapes: You can bake this cake in a round pan, bundt pan, or even individual ramekins for a fun twist.

Fun Twists on the Classic: Variants to Try

1. Tropical Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Swap out some pineapple rings for mango slices or banana coins. And toss a handful of shredded coconut into the batter. This tropical version tastes like a beach vacation on a plate.

2. Spiced Rum Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For an adult upgrade, add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of spiced rum to the melted butter and brown sugar mixture. The rum adds warmth and complexity, pairing beautifully with the sweet pineapple.

3. Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Use a muffin tin to create individual cakes, just place a small pineapple slice and half a cherry in each cup. Perfect for parties or portion control, and they bake in less time, too.

4. Cherry-Pineapple Marble Version

Swirl a few tablespoons of cherry juice from the maraschino jar into the batter before baking. This gives the cake a subtle pink tint and a fruity depth that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

FAQs

Time to Bake, Flip, and Impress

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a pineapple upside down cake recipe with cake mix, from the sweet smell that fills the kitchen to the suspenseful moment of flipping it onto a plate and unveiling that sticky, golden topping. It’s the kind of cake that feels nostalgic but also a little magical every time.

Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun twists like spiced rum or tropical mix-ins, this cake is always a winner. The convenience of a boxed mix gives you confidence, while the caramelized topping delivers show-stopping flavor.

If you loved this pineapple upside-down cake recipe with cake mix, check out our 7UP Pound Cake Recipe for another easy and zesty dessert option!