How to Make the Ultimate Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Piña Colada Style!) 🍍🥥

Get ready to embark on a tropical culinary adventure with the Ultimate Pineapple Upside Down Cake—Piña Colada Style! This delightful dessert takes the classic retro treat you know and love and infuses it with the sunny flavors of coconut and rum. With caramelized pineapple, homemade maraschino cherries, and a luscious cake batter, you’re in for a slice of paradise.

Ingredients

For the Maraschino Cherries:

• 1 cup fresh cherries (or substitute with your favorite cherries)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

For the Caramel Syrup:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings (or use canned rings)

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2 tablespoons rum (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Maraschino Cherries

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a slight boil until sugar is dissolved.
2. Once dissolved, add the cherries and simmer for 10 minutes. Let them cool in the syrup, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Syrup and Pineapple Rings

1. In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until the mixture comes together into a syrup.
2. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of your baking dish.
3. Arrange the pineapple rings over the caramel, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring for an extra pop of color.

Step 3: Make the Upside-Down Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding in coconut milk and both extracts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. If desired, stir in the rum for that extra tropical essence.

Step 4: Baking the Cake

1. Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple and caramel layer in your baking dish.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Reveal and Serve

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a platter.
2. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. For an added touch, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes

• For a more intense coconut flavor, feel free to add shredded coconut to the batter.
• If you don’t want to make homemade cherries, store-bought maraschino cherries will also work wonderfully.

This Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Piña Colada Style) is perfect for any gathering, celebration, or simply when you want to bring some sunshine into your home. Each slice is a burst of flavor that transports you straight to a tropical beach, making it not just a dessert but an experience. Enjoy baking this delectable treat! 🍰🌴

Watch the video by Food Network

Video “How to Make the Ultimate Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Piña Colada Style!) 🍍🥥 Best Bake Ever” was uploaded on 11/06/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network