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Duncan Hines Pineapple Upside Down Cake Classic
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Duncan Hines Pineapple Upside Down Cake is an easy, moist, and caramel-kissed dessert, perfect for family gatherings. A sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box Duncan Hines Yellow or Butter Golden Cake Mix
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, in juice or light syrup, drained
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- Maraschino cherries
- Eggs, Water, and Oil (as directed on cake mix box)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet and melt in the preheating oven for approximately 10 minutes.
- Create Caramel Base: Carefully remove the hot pan. Swirl the melted butter with 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar to evenly coat the bottom, forming a sticky, sweet base.
- Arrange Fruit: Arrange the drained pineapple slices in a decorative pattern over the sugar mixture. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, and scatter a few more between them for vibrant color.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the Duncan Hines cake mix according to the package directions, typically involving adding eggs, water, and oil. Beat until smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a light, fluffy crumb.
- Pour and Bake: Gently pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the pineapple layer in the pan, taking care not to disturb the fruit arrangement. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly pulled away from the pan.
- Cool and Flip: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This allows the caramel to set slightly. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Place a serving platter upside down over the cake pan, then, holding both tightly, carefully flip them over together. Lift the cake pan slowly and gently to reveal the cake. If any fruit sticks, carefully place it back on the cake.
Notes
- Substitutions & Flavor Twists: Add a splash of pineapple juice or vanilla extract to the topping for extra flavor. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pineapple for a nutty crunch. Swap yellow cake mix for vanilla or spice cake mix for a subtle flavor twist.
- Healthier Options: Choose pineapple in juice over heavy syrup to reduce added sugars.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Do not overmix the batter; it leads to a tough, dense cake. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Ensure your pan is well-greased (in addition to the butter/sugar topping) if not using a non-stick pan, to prevent sticking.
- Let the cake cool for the recommended time before flipping to avoid crumbling. Patience ensures a perfect presentation.
- Nutritional information is an estimate based on common ingredients and preparation methods, as it was not provided in the original article.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Duncan Hines, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Classic
