Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

This beautiful pineapple upside down bundt cake starts with a cake mix and ends with a sweet caramelized crust topped with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. This cake is moist, fruity, and a real show-stopper for parties!

Why this recipe works

A cross between pineapple upside down cake and bundt cake? Yes, please. This pineapple upside down bundt cake is slightly denser than the classic version as it takes on more of the bundt cake texture while still keeping the fruity, golden crust on top as we all know and love.

Don’t let the word dense put you off because this cake is moist with a tender crumb, plus, it’s made with a box mix which takes a lot of the extra prep work off the table for you.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE – Feel free to use a homemade bundt cake recipe in place of the boxed cake mix if desired. You can also substitute the pineapple juice called for in the recipe with either milk or water if needed. This particular recipe also calls for sour cream, which helps adds moisture and helps make it a little denser. You can omit the sour cream. If doing so, check the cake for doneness at the 35 minute mark.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a standard bundt pan with nonstick baking spray or grease lightly with butter.
2. Stir the melted butter and brown sugar together and drop in dollops around the inside of the bundt pan. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the mixture so it evenly coats the bottom of the pan.
3. Place pineapple rings in the bottom of the pan on top of the butter/brown sugar mixture. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. You can also place a cherry outside each pineapple ring where each pair of rings meet.
4. Measure the pineapple juice that was reserved from the can of pineapple rings. Add water to the pineapple juice to make 1 cup total liquid.
5. Beat together the cake mix, eggs, oil, pineapple juice, and sour cream until combined using a handheld mixer.
6. Spread batter evenly into the bundt pan, taking care to keep the pineapple rings and cherries in their arrangement.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
8. Allow cake to cool for a few minutes and then invert onto a cake stand or platter. Allow cake to cool the rest of the way.
9. Slice and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store the cooled cake in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Yes, you can use chunks in place of slices if desired. Arrange the pineapple chunks into circles/flowers or however you’d like to, placing a maraschino cherry in the center just as you would with the slices.

Yes. To freeze, place the cake on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 45 minutes. Remove from freezer and wrap a few times in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Return to freezer for up to 3 months. Remove the cake from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight the day before you plan on serving it.

Yes, you can prepare, bake, and cool the cake then store it wrapped with plastic wrap or in an air-tight container (such as a cake carrier) in the refrigerator a day in advance. Do note that making pineapple upside down bundt cake a day in advance may cause the topping to become slightly soggy. Your best bet is to prepare it the morning of the event or to properly store it in an air-tight container to help avoid this.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pineapple upside down bundt cake chilled or at room temperature with an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This cake is perfect for the holidays or for spring and summer parties of all kinds!

More Related Recipes

• Blueberry Bundt Cake
• Strawberry Bundt Cake
• Pineapple Pound Cake
• Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

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