Description
Thisย Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cakeย is a festive twist on the classic! Tart cranberries and sweet pineapple slices caramelize in a buttery brown sugar glaze, creating a beautifully golden topping. The moist, buttery cake underneath balances the flavors perfectly, making this a great holiday dessert or a year-round treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 6–8 pineapple rings (drained if canned)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven & Pan:
- Preheat your oven toย 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease aย 9-inch round cake panย (or a square pan).
- Make the Topping:
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
- Arrange the pineapple rings over the brown sugar, placing a cherry in the center of each if using.
- Scatter the cranberries around the pineapple slices.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Mix in the sour cream and pineapple juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble & Bake:
- Carefully spoon the batter over the fruit in the pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake forย 40โ45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Flip:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for aboutย 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding to the pan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up toย 2 days, or refrigerate for up toย 5 days.