Description

This Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a stunning twist on the classic dessert, featuring a caramelized topping of tart cranberries and sweet pineapple slices over a moist, buttery cake. The balance of flavors makes this a perfect holiday treat or a vibrant dessert for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Topping:

¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar, packed
6 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
¾ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

For the Cake Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple or fresh)
¼ cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Make the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Pour into the prepared cake pan. Arrange pineapple rings in the pan, then sprinkle cranberries around them.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Alternately mix in the flour mixture and pineapple juice, starting and ending with flour. Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the fruit topping. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Notes

If using fresh pineapple, cook it slightly in the brown sugar butter mixture before placing it in the pan.
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced twist.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American