Ina Garten’s Dreamy Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple upside down cake transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert that dazzles with its caramelized golden surface and tender crumb.

Sweet memories flood back when this nostalgic treat emerges from the oven, promising comfort in every slice.

Layers of rich flavor intertwine with buttery notes and tropical brightness, creating a sensory experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Delicate spices whisper through the cake, adding warmth and depth to its inviting profile.

Every forkful represents a perfect balance between soft cake and glistening fruit topping that melts effortlessly on your palate.

The chemistry of baking transforms simple components into something magical and irresistible.

Guests will marvel at this sophisticated yet approachable dessert that elevates classic home baking: prepare to receive endless compliments.

Why Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pops with Flavor

• Flip and Reveal Deliciousness: This cake offers a stunning visual surprise when dramatically flipped, showing off beautifully caramelized pineapple rings that create a stunning golden-brown pattern across the cake's surface.
• Tropical Flavor Explosion: Ina Garten's recipe blends warm spices like ginger and cloves with sweet pineapple, creating a complex flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise with every single bite.
• Foolproof Baking Technique: The straightforward method allows even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert, with simple steps that guarantee a moist, tender cake with perfectly caramelized fruit topping every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, this cake delivers nostalgic warmth and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, family dinners, or weekend celebrations that call for something special and memorable.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation for the cake's structure, providing necessary texture and stability.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and provides a smooth, creamy base for the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture retention.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and creates a luxurious, tender texture.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides additional moisture and enhances the cake's tropical flavor.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a glossy, caramel-like topping that coats the bottom of the cake.
• Pineapple Slices: Fresh or canned pineapple rings that form a beautiful, golden-brown pattern.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red cherries that add color and a touch of sweetness to the design.

How to Build the Upside Down Layers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round baking pan and coat the sides with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Topping

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

• 6 slices around the pan's edge
• 1 slice in the center

Nestle a bright red cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring. Scatter remaining cherries in the corner spaces.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves

• Softened butter
• Sugar

• Heavy cream
• Pineapple juice

Use a spatula and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter carefully over the pineapple arrangement. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Unveil the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a metal spatula around the edges to loosen. Place a serving plate on top and swiftly flip the pan. Gently lift the pan away.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cake warm. Top with a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Tips to Avoid Sticky Situations

• Pat Dry Pineapple Slices: Gently remove excess moisture from pineapple rings using paper towels to prevent a soggy cake bottom and ensure a crisp caramel topping.
• Choose Ripe Pineapples: Select golden, fragrant pineapples that are sweet and have a slight give when pressed for the most delicious flavor in your cake.
• Gentle Batter Mixing: Stir the cake batter just until ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender crumb without developing tough gluten.
• Spice with Restraint: Add small amounts of ginger and cloves to enhance the cake's flavor without overwhelming the delicate pineapple notes.
• Cool Before Flipping: Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the caramel topping set and prevent sticking when inverting onto a serving plate.

How to Store Pineapple Upside Down Cake Properly

• Countertop Preservation: Cover the cake loosely with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve its delicate caramelized texture. Best consumed within 48 hours for optimal flavor and freshness.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Seal individual slices or the entire cake in an airtight container to prevent absorbing other food odors. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 5-7 days for the best taste and soft, moist consistency.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning and thawing. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Flavor Twists for Ina Garten’s Tropical Dessert

• Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace half the flour with shredded coconut and add coconut extract to enhance the tropical flavor profile, creating a more intense island-inspired dessert.
• Rum-Soaked Celebration: Soak pineapple slices in dark rum before arranging in the pan and sprinkle rum into the cake batter for a rich, boozy undertone that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spiced Caramel Version: Swap brown sugar with caramel sauce and add a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg to the dry ingredients, generating a deeper, more complex caramelized flavor experience.
• Gluten-Free Island Edition: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and gluten-free baking blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this classic pineapple upside-down cake without compromising taste or texture.

Closing the Pan on Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Ina Garten’s pineapple upside down cake emerges as classic comfort dessert with tropical charm.

Rich caramelized pineapple rings nestle atop buttery cake layers, promising delightful flavor complexity.

Nostalgic memories of family gatherings drift through each golden slice.

Sweet-tart pineapple harmonizes perfectly with warm spice undertones, creating irresistible dessert magic.

Baking expertise shines through carefully balanced ingredients and precise technique.

Culinary adventure calls – share this magnificent recipe, spark conversations with fellow bakers, and spread delicious joy across social circles.

Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pineapple upside down cake delivers classic Southern charm with caramelized fruit and buttery golden cake. Sweet pineapple rings nestled in rich brown sugar glaze create a nostalgic dessert sure to delight guests at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) reserved pineapple juice

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 7 slices canned pineapple (reserve ½ cup juice for cake)
• 13 candied cherries

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch (23-centimeter) round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage of the sides and bottom.
2. Create the caramelized topping by whisking melted butter and brown sugar together in a small mixing bowl. Evenly distribute this rich mixture across the pan’s bottom. Strategically place 6 pineapple rings around the pan’s perimeter, positioning one slice at the center. Carefully nestle a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring, then scatter remaining cherries in the corner spaces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves to ensure smooth ingredient integration. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture and combined heavy cream with pineapple juice into the batter, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Carefully pour the prepared batter over the arranged pineapple and cherry layer, using a spatula to spread evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
6. Allow the cake to cool within the pan for 5 minutes. Run a thin metal spatula around the cake’s edges to loosen. Place a serving plate over the pan and swiftly invert, allowing the caramelized topping to release onto the plate.
7. Serve the cake warm, optionally accompanied by a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Pat pineapple slices thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy topping and ensuring crisp caramelization.
• Select perfectly ripe, golden pineapples that offer natural sweetness and vibrant flavor for the most delicious upside-down cake.
• Gently fold cake batter ingredients to maintain a delicate, tender texture without overmixing and creating tough crumb.
• Allow cake to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps the caramel topping set and prevents sticking when inverting.
• Use light hand when adding warming spices like ginger and cloves, keeping their intensity subtle and complementary to the pineapple’s bright taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 359 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 166 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg