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Easy Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake

 A simple recipe for vegan pineapple upside-down cake. It's a soft fluffy and moist cake topped with slices of pineapple and cherries.

A slice of vegan pinepple upside down cake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream

EASY VEGAN PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE


I've been meaning to try this retro cake for a while and I'm so glad I did.

This pineapple upside-down cake is so good.

It's soft, fluffy and moist.

Topped with slices of pineapple and cherries.

Oh my yes! 

And serve with some good quality vegan vanilla ice cream, oh my!


Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake

WHY IS IT CALLED PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE?


You may be wondering why this is called upside-down cake.

The pineapple and cherries are actually placed on the bottom of the cake tin and the batter is poured on top.

When it's baked and cooled, you turn it out onto a plate upside down so the pineapple and cherries are on top.

That's it, nothing more complicated than that.


HOW DO YOU STOP A PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE FROM BEING SOGGY?


A pineapple upside-down cake is never as light as a plain sponge cake, but it should be fluffy and moist.

However, it should never be wet or soggy.

The secret is to dry the pineapple slices off with kitchen paper before adding the pineapple, so you aren't introducing more liquid to the cake.

You should also do the toothpick or skewer test to make sure it's baked through.

Insert it into the centre of the cake and it should come out clean without wet batter on it. 

If it has some crumbs on it, that's ok, but no wet batter.


TIPS FOR TURNING OUT AN UPSIDE DOWN CAKE


Turning out the upside-down cake has to be done with care. Don't try to rush it.

If you get this wrong, you could end up with cake all over the floor.

  1. Let the cake cool a little bit in the pan first before turning out.
  2. Ease around the edges of the pan with a knife to loosen the cake so it will release well.
  3. Use oven gloves if you need to.
  4. Place a plate face-down on top of the cake.
  5. Hold the plate and cake pan firmly and flip.
  6. Give it a tap and a bit of a jiggle and it should release.
  7. Voila! Now marvel at the marvellous sight in front of you and give yourself a pat on the back for being awesome!


Pineapple & cherries in the bottom of a cake tin

DO YOU LINE THE CAKE TIN WHEN YOU MAKE AN UPSIDE DOWN CAKE?



No, there is no need to line the tin when making an upside down cake.

The bottom and sides are brushed with a mixture of sugar and vegan butter or dairy-free spread.

It gives the cake that wonderful moist finish and a wonderful flavour.

It also helps prevent the cake from sticking to the tin, although I always play safe and loosen the edge with a knife, just in case.



FILLING THE CAKE TIN WITH PINEAPPLE AND CHERRIES



Once you have buttered the tin, with a good layer on the bottom you then add the slices of pineapple and cherries.

The size of your tin will very much decide how many slices you can add, but you can fill any gaps with cherries.

You can also use pineapple chunks or slice your pineapple rings but the traditional way to do it is with full pineapple rings laid out in a pattern.




FACE THOSE CHERRIES THE RIGHT WAY



When you are adding your cherry halves, remember the cake is turned over and whatever is facing the bottom will then face that way on the top of the cake.

So for the best results, place the cherries curved side down with the cut side facing up towards you.

It's a really simple and common mistake to make and you'll be annoyed with yourself if you forget and place them cut side down.



Retro pineapple-upside down cake

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE




These cakes are super easy to make and you don't need any fancy equipment or ingredients.

EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE


  1. OVEN - an oven to bake the cake in
  2. CAKE TIN - a loose bottomed cake tin is the best option for making an upside down cake, but you can use one that doesn't have a loose base
    • CAKE TIN SIZE - my cake tin is 17 cm (9 1/2 inches). Don't worry if yours is a bit bigger. The cake might be a bit shallower and bake a little quicker, depending on the size of it, so just keep an eye on it
  3. BAKING BRUSH  - to spread the vegan butter & sugar mix in the cake tin. If you don't have one, don't worry, you can just use a piece of kitchen paper to rub it on
  4. JUG OR BOWL - to mix your wet ingredients in
  5. MIXING BOWL - to mix your dry ingredients
  6. SPATULA OR WOODEN SPOON - to mix the cake batter
  7. SCALES OR CUPS - to measure the ingredients
  8. SPOONS - a teaspoon and tablespoon for measuring ingredients

INGREDIENTS FOR PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE


DRY INGREDIENTS

  • FLOUR - plain flour, also known as all-purpose flour (or self-raising with a pinch of baking powder)
  • SUGAR - caster sugar
  • BAKING POWDER - for rise
  • SALT - just a pinch

WET INGREDIENTS

  • MILK - I use oat milk, but use whatever you have in the fridge
  • PINEAPPLE JUICE - for flavour 
  • LEMON JUICE - for that chemical reaction that gives rise and texture (you can use white wine or cider vinegar instead)
  • VANILLA EXTRACT - never essence
  • VEGETABLE OIL - or other plain, mild oil

FRUIT

  • PINEAPPLE - fresh or tinned pineapple rings
  • CHERRIES - fresh or glace cherries

CAKE TIN COATING

  • VEGAN BUTTER - or dairy-free spread (margarine)
  • BROWN SUGAR - I like demerara sugar


Scroll down for a step-by-step photo guide followed by a printable recipe.



A slice of pineapple upside down cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

HOW TO SERVE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE



How you serve pineapple upside down cake is a very personal choice, but here are some ideas.


  1. PLAIN - it's great on it's on with a cup of tea or coffee
  2. ICE CREAM - has to be vanilla (we love Swedish Glace)
  3. SINGLE CREAM - for pouring 
  4. SQUIRTY CREAM - just because it's fun
  5. CREME FRAICHE - for that tart finish
  6. PLAIN YOGURT - for the tang
  7. CUSTARD - serve it with custad as a pudding, you could even warm it in the microwave along with the custard

All of the above are available as a vegan option.



MORE VEGAN CAKES TO TRY



Here are a few more easy vegan cakes for you to try:



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Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a dairy-free and egg-free version of this retro classic cake. It's soft and fluffy and topped with pineapple rings and cherries

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HOW TO MAKE VEGAN PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE


Scroll down for step-by-step photos followed by a full printable recipe. If you don't have a printer, hit print then save as a PDF. 


Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake - step 1 - coating the cake tin and making up the wet mix

STEP 1


Cream the butter and brown sugar together until you have a soft, creamy mixture.

Brush or rub it over the inside of your cake tin, with more on the bottom of the tin.

Then measure the milk into a jug or bowland add the lemon and pineapple juice and set aside.



Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake - step 2 - dry ingredients mixed, oil & vanilla added to milk and poured into dry ingredients

STEP 2


Weigh the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix.

Add the vanilla extract and oil to the milk.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold in until just combined.



Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake - step 3 - fruit added to the tin, then the cake batter and baked

STEP 3


Place the pineapple rings and cherries on the bottom of the prepared tin.

Pour in the cake batter and bake until golden and baked through.



Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake - step 4 - cake turned out and served with vanilla ice cream

STEP 4


Leave the cake to cool in the tin, then loosen with a knife around the edge and turn onto a plate.

Serve a slice with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

pineapple cake, vegan cake, vegan pineapple cake, pineapple upside down cake, upside down cake, dairy free cake, egg-free cake, best vegan cakes
baking
American, vegan
Yield: 8 - 10
Author: Jacqueline Meldrum
Easy Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Easy Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A simple recipe for vegan pineapple upside-down cake. It's a soft fluffy and moist cake topped with slices of pineapple and cherries.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Ingredients

Cake
  • 200 ml (0.85 cup) oat milk (or your regular milk)
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice (fresh or tinned pineapple juice)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (or white wine or cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 75 ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil
  • 300g (1 ¾ cups + 2 tbsp) plain flour
  • 250g (1 cup) caster sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • pinch of salt
Cake Tin Coating & Fruit
  • 30g (1/8 cup) brown sugar
  • 30g (1/8 cup) dairy-free spread (or vegan butter)
  • 4-5 slices of pineapple (fresh or tinned)
  • 9-12 glace cherry halves (or halves of fresh cherries)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180c / 160c fan / 350f / gas mark 4.
  2. Mix the dairy-free spread and brown sugar until soft and creamy, then spread on the inside of the cake tin, with more on the base than the sides.
  3. Place pineapple rings (dab them with kitchen paper first if they are very juicy) in the bottom of the pan, then add cherries, cut side up to make a pleasing pattern.
  4. Measure the milk into a jug or bowl, then add the lemon juice and pineapple juice and set aside.
  5. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix to combine.
  6. Add the vanilla extract and oil to the milk and stir.
  7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold into until just combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35 minutes until golden and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Leave to cool in the tin, then loosen the edge with a knife. Place a plate on top and carefully flip it over.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:


You can use fresh pineapple or tinned pineapple slices and fresh (stoned) cherries or glace cherries.

CALORIES

8 slices = 385.9 calories (per slice)

9 slices = 343 calories (per slice)

10 slices = 308 calories (per slice)

Calories

308.74

Fat (grams)

7.25

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.57

Carbs (grams)

58.58

Fiber (grams)

1.64

Net carbs

56.94

Sugar (grams)

33.74

Protein (grams)

3.45

Sodium (milligrams)

51.09

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00
Created using The Recipes Generator

33 comments

  1. I love anything with pineapple in and this dessert is such a classic. I will definitely be trying it.

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    Replies
    1. Myself too and I'm sure you will enjoy it 🙂

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  2. I haven't had an upside down pineapple cake in years! Yours looks so good and I love all the step-by-step instructions. I'll definitely give it a try!

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  3. I am so excited to see this one. My mum used to make this for us when we were little. Jill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh nice memories Jill. I hope you enjoy this one as much as your mum's cake.

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  4. We love this cake, it super easy to do and the flavors are scrumptious, I will be making this again soon we have pineapples growing in our garden

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and wow pineapples growing in your garden! That's amazing!

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  5. Wonderful cake and I love the beautiful step by step instructions with photos!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks and I'm glad the step-by-step photos were useful.

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  6. This upside down pineapple cake is amazing. Can't believe it's vegan! My kids loved it and it looks spectacular, too.

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    Replies
    1. Yay! I'm so glad you all loved it. It's really proving popular!

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  7. Beautiful looking and tasting cake! We all loved it thanks :)

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  8. We had it last night. I may have left it in a smidge to long but it was really good. We had it with pouring cream.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh nice! I bet it was good with the pouring cream.

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  9. This was sooo good! Of course, I always love Pineapple Upside-down Cake, but when I saw your recipe I just had to try it. It was perfect, thank you so much for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. I am so glad you tried it. A lot of my readers have been in touch to say they enjoyed it

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  10. I love pineapple upside down cake and this vegan version looks truly delicious. Thank you for a wonderful recipe to add to my cake collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome. I have fun creating these vegan cakes.

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  11. Pineapple upside down cake just says summer to me! Looks so delicious, perfect for dessert.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right and yes it's perfect for dessert.

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  12. My family loved this for our dessert last night! So delicious and very yummy! I’ll definitely be making this recipe again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you all enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know.

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  13. Absolutely loving the coverage of vegan cakes! Not had upside down pineapple cake in years! 🍰🍍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks James, I am having fun making them. Hope youbtry it.

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  14. I am making this for my husbands birthday today but I could only get fresh pineapple. Will that work OK?

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    Replies
    1. Yes fresh pineapple is fine. Just dab the slices with kitchen paper to remove excess juice if it's really juicy.

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  15. Really beautiful cake. We used to make these in cast iron skillets and did a bit of thickening pineapple juice (and rum sometimes) in the bottom of the pan before bodging in some dark sugar, the pineapples, and then cherries. Mine cake turns out quite a bit darker than yours, but the moistness is there. Yum. Now I want to make one today!

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  16. Really cute cake! The cherries add a fabulous finishing touch.

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  17. So tasty! Not sure what I did, but I didn't get a pourable batter and I didn't get a "cake." It was thick and I had to spoon it over the pineapple like a cobbler batter, and a cobbler is almost what it tastes like. It's still very good and I might increase the liquids next time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's weird. It should be a wet batter. You must have got one if the measurements wrong. That's a shame.

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  18. This cake was so delicious, the recipe is very easy to follow.

    ReplyDelete

I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x