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Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Cake in Cast Iron Skillet

A golden, gooey **pineapple upside down cake** made in a cast iron skillet. Caramelized pineapple topping, moist vanilla cake, and minimal cleanup—this classic dessert is always a crowd favorite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • - 8-inch cast iron skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Spatula
  • - Serving plate

Ingredients
  

  • #### For the Pineapple Topping:
  • - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • - ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • - 1 can 18–20 oz pineapple slices, juice reserved
  • - Maraschino cherries optional
  • #### For the Cake Batter:
  • - 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • - 1 cup light brown sugar
  • - 2 large eggs
  • - 1 cup buttermilk
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • - ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C).
  • **Make the topping:** In an 8-inch cast iron skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and reserved pineapple juice. Stir and simmer until thickened (5–7 min).
  • **Arrange fruit:** Remove skillet from heat and place pineapple slices over the caramel. Optional: Add cherries to the center of each ring. Place skillet in the oven to keep warm.
  • **Make the batter:** Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry mix and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, alternating, and mix until just combined.
  • **Assemble the cake:** Pour batter evenly over the warm fruit in the skillet. Smooth the top.
  • **Bake** for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  • **Cool & invert:** Let the cake rest for 10 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

- Drain and pat pineapple rings dry to avoid sogginess.
- Fresh pineapple works, but use thick slices and dry well.
- Don’t skip the 10-minute cooling before flipping!
Keyword Pineapple Upside Down Cake