Sunny Pineapple Paradise: Ina Garten’s Upside Down Cake Recipe

Dessert lovers rejoice as Ina Garten’s pineapple upside down cake brings tropical sweetness to your table.

Her classic recipe captures the perfect balance of caramelized fruit and moist, tender cake.

Golden rings of pineapple nestle into a buttery, rich base that promises pure indulgence.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and nostalgic baking charm.

The cake glossy surface glimmers with caramelized edges that hint at delectable layers beneath.

Warm from the oven or served at room temperature, this treat turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Start your baking adventure and treat yourself to a slice of pure joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s Needed for Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, golden flavor and helps create a caramelized base for the pineapple.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a luscious, sticky caramel that coats the fruit with deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Pineapple Slices: Choose ripe, vibrant yellow pineapple with minimal brown spots for maximum juiciness.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provides a pop of bright color and sweet-tart accent to the classic design.

• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cake, ensuring a tender and light texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, airy crumb.
• Baking Soda: Balances acidity and contributes to the cake's overall leavening.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the entire dessert.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Adds warm, subtle spice that complements the tropical pineapple.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor to the cake base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, delicate cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness and structure.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures a supremely moist and tender cake.
• Pineapple Juice: Intensifies the fruity flavor and adds moisture to the batter.

Baking Tools for Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• 9-by-9-by-3-inch round baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape and size.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing dry ingredients smoothly and breaking up any lumps.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for combining cake batter ingredients separately.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding batter and ensuring even mixing.
• Metal spatula: Helps loosen cake edges before inverting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.
• Serving plate: Used for flipping and presenting the finished cake.

Instructions to Bake Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Prepping the Baking Stage

Warm up the oven and get a round cake pan ready. Coat the sides with a light layer of nonstick spray to ensure smooth cake removal.

• Pineapple Foundation

Create a sweet base by mixing melted butter and brown sugar. Spread this mixture across the pan bottom. Artfully arrange pineapple rings and cherries to create a beautiful fruity design that will become the cake’s stunning top.

• Cake Batter Magic

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, creating a flavor-packed foundation. In another bowl, whip butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gently incorporate eggs and alternate between adding dry ingredients and cream. Fold carefully to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the silky batter over the pineapple design. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the cake bake until golden and perfectly cooked. A toothpick test will confirm its readiness.

• Dramatic Reveal

After a brief cooling period, run a spatula around the cake’s edge. Flip the pan onto a serving plate in one confident motion, allowing the gorgeous pineapple design to shine.

• Serving Delight

Present the cake while still warm, optionally topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Creative Variations for Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Expert Baking Tips
• Replace pineapple with peaches, apricots, or caramelized bananas for a unique twist on the classic upside-down cake design.
• Add rum extract or vanilla bean to the cake batter for a more complex, sophisticated taste profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Brush the baked cake with a light syrup made from pineapple juice and sugar to ensure an extra moist and tender texture.
• Prepare the cake one day in advance and store at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its delicious freshness and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Top the cake with toasted coconut flakes, a sprinkle of candied ginger, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar to create a stunning visual and flavor presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Serve Up a Tropical Slice of Delight: Pair this classic pineapple upside-down cake with creamy accompaniments that elevate its rich flavors.
• Cream Cloud Topping: Dollop freshly whipped cream on each slice, letting its airy texture contrast with the cake's dense, moist crumb.
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Add a scoop of vanilla bean or coconut ice cream alongside the warm cake, creating a decadent hot-and-cold sensation.
• Rum-Kissed Drizzle: Lightly sprinkle a touch of dark rum over the cake for an adult twist that deepens the caramelized pineapple notes.
• Fresh Fruit Companion: Garnish with extra fresh pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added tropical flair.

How to Store Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Maximize Fresh Flavor: Store the cake at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days to maintain its delightful texture and taste.
• Refrigerate with Care: When storing longer, place the cake in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its softness and rich flavors.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Smart Serving Tip: Keep whipped cream separate until serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy. Prepare fresh cream just before enjoying each slice for the best taste experience.

Classic Ina Garten Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s pineapple upside down cake delights with caramelized pineapple and a rich, buttery base. Bakers love this classic dessert that brings Southern charm to any table, inviting you to savor each golden, sweet slice.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) reserved pineapple juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 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. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Topping Creation: Combine melted butter and brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Spread mixture evenly across pan bottom. Arrange pineapple rings symmetrically, placing one in the center. Strategically position maraschino cherries within each ring’s cavity and fill remaining spaces.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves into a comprehensive mixture. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency with enhanced volume.
4. Batter Assembly: Integrate eggs individually into butter mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation. Gently fold dry ingredients, heavy cream, and pineapple juice into batter, maintaining a silky, uniform texture without overmixing.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter over prepared pineapple-cherry base, smoothing surface with a spatula. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean with minimal crumb attachment.
6. Cake Release: After cooling for 5 minutes, loosen edges using a thin spatula. Invert pan onto serving plate with a swift, confident motion, allowing caramelized topping to elegantly settle.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present cake warm, optionally garnishing with a luxurious dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Ensure complete nonstick coverage using cooking spray or butter to prevent cake from sticking and guarantee smooth release.
• Cherry and Pineapple Placement: Arrange pineapple rings and cherries methodically for a stunning visual presentation that creates a classic upside-down cake look.
• Mixing Matters: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to develop optimal cake texture and ensure even sugar distribution.
• Cool and Release Carefully: Let cake rest 5 minutes before inverting to allow caramel topping to set and prevent structural breakdown during serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg