Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy pineapple, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pineapple slices or chunks
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 1 prepared cake batter (your favorite yellow or vanilla cake mix or homemade recipe)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the sugar evenly over the bottom of the pan. Arrange the pineapple slices or chunks and cranberries over the sugar in an even layer.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared cake batter gently over the fruit, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit completely.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the fruit layer is on top.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or canned pineapple, but drain canned pineapple well to avoid soggy cake.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit before adding the batter.
- Try substituting cranberries with raspberries or cherries for a different tart note.
Storage
Store the leftover cake covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds to enjoy warm flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it properly and invert it onto the serving plate just before serving to keep the fruit topping fresh.
What type of cake batter works best?
A yellow, vanilla, or butter cake batter works well because it complements the fruity flavors without overpowering them.
PrintCranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic upside-down cake, this Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet tropical flavor of pineapple, baked to perfection with a moist cake batter beneath a caramelized fruit topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pineapple slices or chunks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- Ingredients needed to prepare cake mix (typically eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit topping: In a 9-inch round cake pan, evenly sprinkle the 1/2 cup granulated sugar over the bottom. Arrange the cranberries and pineapple slices or chunks attractively over the sugar layer.
- Mix the cake batter: Prepare the cake batter according to the cake mix package instructions, combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed.
- Pour the batter: Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the arranged fruit, ensuring it covers the fruit evenly.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and flip the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized cranberry and pineapple topping.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and pineapple for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the sugar is well distributed on the bottom of the pan to create a caramelized topping.
- You can substitute the cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla cake batter.
- Cool the cake slightly before flipping to prevent the topping from sticking to the pan.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.
Keywords: cranberry upside down cake, pineapple upside down cake, fruit upside down cake, holiday dessert, easy cake recipe, fruit cake
