Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Okay, this cake is a showstopper. The tart cranberries and sweet pineapple are the perfect combo, and the caramelized top? Absolute perfection. I made it once and it became a new holiday tradition.

The cake is soft and moist, with a fruity, golden top that you’ll want to eat first. The cranberries add a bit of tang while the pineapple keeps it sweet. It’s like a tropical twist on a classic upside-down cake.

If you love fruity desserts that look fancy but are easy to make, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving something that’ll impress. I always keep a slice (or two) for myself.

Let’s bake it together! This cranberry pineapple upside-down cake is simple, gorgeous, and totally delicious. You’ll be making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy pineapple, creating a perfect balance.
• Visually Stunning: With the upside-down style, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a standout dessert at any gathering.
• Easy to Make: Despite its show-stopping look, this cake comes together easily with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a family gathering, this cake brings a festive touch to your table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake can be made ahead of time and stored, making it perfect for busy days when you want to impress.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes about 10 servings, ideal for a family dessert or a small gathering. Need more? Just double the ingredients and grab a bigger pan!

Difficulty:

This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels! It’s simple enough for beginners, but still fun for more experienced bakers.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, here’s what you’ll need to make this gorgeous cake:

• 9-inch round cake pan (or a slightly larger one if doubling the recipe)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk (for mixing the cake batter)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Rubber spatula
• A knife (to slice the pineapple and cranberries)

Ingredients for the Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 can (15 oz) pineapple slices, drained, and juice reserved for the cake
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved

How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved and bubbly. Pour the mixture into the bottom of your cake pan.
Place the pineapple slices in a circular pattern, covering the bottom of the pan. You can arrange them in a beautiful flower shape for an added visual effect. Scatter the halved cranberries around the pineapple and sprinkle chopped pecans on top if you like a little crunch. Set the pan aside while you prepare the cake batter.

How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Continued)

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer (or whisk) until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cranberry topping in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the batter evenly, making sure it covers the fruit completely. Tap the pan gently on the counter to settle the batter and remove any air bubbles.

Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when gently pressed.
If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Continued)

Step 5: Cool and Flip the Cake
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period will help the cake set and make it easier to flip.
After 10 minutes, place a large serving plate over the top of the cake pan. Holding the pan and plate together, carefully flip the pan upside down. Gently lift the pan off, revealing the beautiful topping of caramelized pineapple and cranberries. Be cautious as the hot syrup may drip a little.

Step 6: Let the Cake Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will give the topping time to set and prevent it from sliding off when you cut into the cake. If you’re serving the cake later, you can cover it and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How to Serve Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the flavor with a few extras:

• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top will add extra creaminess and a light contrast to the fruity cake.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes a delightful combination with the warm cake.
• Add a Drizzle of Caramel: For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top.

Storing Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Leftovers: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 4 days if you prefer it chilled.
• Freezing: If you need to store the cake for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	160mg
Total Carbohydrates	47g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	32g
Protein	3g

Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! If using fresh pineapple, make sure to slice it into rings and drain any excess juice before using it in the topping.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated. The flavors often improve as it sits!

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a festive, flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tartness of cranberries. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you’re looking for a show-stopping cake, give this one a try!