Barefoot Contessa’s Golden Pineapple Flip Cake Recipe

Pineapple upside-down cake reigns supreme in the world of nostalgic desserts, casting a spell of golden caramelized magic.

This classic treat whispers stories of family gatherings and sweet comfort.

Vibrant rings of tropical fruit nestle into a buttery landscape, creating a visual symphony that tantalizes senses.

Layers of rich batter transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that speaks volumes about tradition.

Every forkful carries the warmth of cherished memories and the complexity of carefully balanced flavors.

The cake’s rustic elegance emerges from a perfect dance of caramelized sugar and juicy pineapple.

Experience a dessert that’s more than just a recipe, it’s an edible celebration of pure deliciousness.

Ingredient Rundown for Barefoot Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for rich, smooth flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Select dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes and intense sweetness.

• Pineapple Slices: Use ripe, golden pineapple with minimal blemishes for best texture.
• Maraschino Cherries: Pick bright, plump cherries for vibrant color and sweet accent.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better structure and traditional cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensure fresh, unexpired leavening agents for optimal rise.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Choose freshly ground spices for more intense, aromatic profile.

• Butter: Use room temperature butter for smooth, even mixing.
• Sugar: Select granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Heavy Cream: Pick full-fat cream for rich, luxurious moisture.
• Pineapple Juice: Choose 100% pure juice for authentic tropical flavor.

Essentials for Baking Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Oven: Preheating essential for perfect cake baking.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Ideal size for even cake distribution.
• Small Bowl: For mixing caramel and butter.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine cake batter ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending caramel and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming butter and sugar.
• Metal Spatula: Helps loosen cake edges after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness.
• Serving Plate: For flipping and presenting the cake.
• Cooling Rack: Optional, helps cake cool evenly.

Bake Steps for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Warm Up the Oven Prep the Pan

Get your oven humming at 350°F and give a 9-inch cake pan a generous butter massage or spray-down to prevent sticking.

• Craft the Caramel Pineapple Foundation

Whisk melted butter and brown sugar into a silky mixture. Spread this golden goodness across the pan’s bottom, then lovingly arrange pineapple slices like a tropical mosaic. Tuck bright red cherries into each ring and sprinkle extras between the fruit.

• Blend the Cake Batter

In one bowl, marry dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves. In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, creating a smooth dance. Gently fold in dry ingredients, alternating with cream and pineapple juice until just combined.

• Transform in the Oven

Pour batter over the pineapple canvas and bake for about an hour. Listen for the moment when a toothpick comes out clean, signaling cake perfection.

• Flip and Reveal

After a short five-minute rest, run a spatula around the edges. Place a serving plate on top and swiftly flip the pan. Lift carefully, revealing a stunning upside-down masterpiece.

• Savor the Moment

Serve warm with a cloud of whipped cream. Dive into this caramelized wonder while it’s still gooey and irresistible.

Variations to Switch Up Pineapple Cake

• Elevate Your Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Experience
• Fruit Flex: Swap pineapple with peaches, apricots, or mangoes for a delightful twist. Each fruit brings unique sweetness and texture to the classic dessert.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg to add depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile. A pinch can transform the entire dessert.
• Rum Revelation: Drizzle a small amount of dark rum over the cake before serving for an adult-friendly version. The alcohol brings out rich caramel notes and adds sophistication.
• Cream Companion: Complement the cake with different toppings like vanilla bean ice cream, mascarpone cream, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These additions create exciting flavor combinations.

Serving Styles for Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Serve Warm and Inviting
• Plate the upside-down pineapple cake while it's still warm to enjoy its gooey caramel and soft texture. The contrasting temperatures of the warm cake and cool whipped cream create a delightful sensory experience.
• Pair with Creamy Companions
• Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cool, smooth additions complement the cake's rich, spiced flavors and warm caramel base.
• Enhance with Tropical Touches
• Garnish with additional maraschino cherries or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and a tropical flair. A light dusting of ground cinnamon can add a warm, aromatic dimension to the dessert.
• Create a Stunning Presentation
• Serve on a beautiful cake stand or decorative plate to highlight the cake's golden-brown surface and glistening pineapple topping. A mint leaf can provide a fresh, green accent to the golden-brown dessert.

How to Keep Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fresh

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover pineapple upside-down cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping its delightful caramelized texture intact.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container in the refrigerator, extending its life to 4-5 days while maintaining moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Future Delight: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each carefully in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.
• Revive and Serve: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Warm slightly in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth and reactivate the gooey caramel magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Gourmet Barefoot Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s legendary pineapple upside down cake combines caramelized fruit with buttery golden cake. Classic American dessert delivers sweet tropical pleasure you’ll savor to the last delicious crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 7 slices canned pineapple
• ½ cup (120 ml/113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pineapple juice
• ½ cup (100 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml/57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 13 candied cherries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray or softened butter to ensure effortless cake release.
2. Caramel Foundation: Whisk melted butter and brown sugar, creating a rich caramel layer spread evenly across the pan’s bottom.
3. Fruit Arrangement: Strategically position pineapple slices in a decorative pattern, placing one slice in the center and nestling maraschino cherries within each ring and between slices.
4. Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves in a mixing bowl, thoroughly mixing the spices and dry components.
5. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then integrate eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation before adding wet ingredients.
6. Batter Creation: Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with heavy cream and pineapple juice until a smooth, consistent batter develops.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly over the arranged fruit layer, then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cake Release: Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes, then loosen edges with a metal spatula and invert onto a serving plate, carefully removing the baking pan.
9. Serving Suggestion: Present the warm cake immediately, optionally topping with a luxurious dollop of freshly whipped cream for added decadence.

Notes

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper alongside cooking spray for foolproof cake release and crisp caramel edges.
• Check Cake Doneness: Test with a toothpick in multiple spots to ensure even baking, as ovens vary in temperature and performance.
• Room Temperature Matters: Bring eggs, butter, and cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Handle Caramel Carefully: Work quickly when spreading butter and brown sugar to prevent burning and achieve an even, golden caramel base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg