Instant Pot Pineapple Upside Down Cake

The only thing I love more than pineapple upside down cake? TWO pineapple upside down cakes! Next time you need to take a dish to work, to a neighbor, or to an event, treat yourself use your Instant Pot to make one to give, and one to gobble up at home.

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This recipe will remind you why pineapple upside down cake is a classic, but this recipe is super easy to make by modifying your favorite boxed cake recipe and topping with flavorful pineapple rings and cherries.

This dish has been an American classic for almost 100 years, since the Dole company first perfected cutting pineapple into perfect rings. So get ready for a slice of American history!

Be sure to generously butter the pans for an easy release. More brown sugar will make for a richer taste with a more golden top. We love our Aozita stackable pans, but if you don’t have stackable pans, you can bake the cakes one at a time.

Treat yourself and make one to give, and one to gobble up at home.


Ingredients:

  • 2-3 tbsp of butter
  • 1 20 oz can pineapple slices
  • Small jar maraschino cherries
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 1 box pineapple cake mix (or yellow cake mix if you can’t find pineapple)
  • 1.5 cups water

Instructions:

  1. 1. Generously butter the bottom and sides of TWO 6” or 7” cake pans (or use our favorite Aozita stackable pans!).
  2. Sprinkle half the brown sugar over the bottom of each pan.
  3. Arrange pineapple slices and halved maraschino cherries on the bottom of the pan.
  4. Mix cake according to package directions, then carefully spoon half the batter into each pan.
  5. If using regular cake pans, cover each with foil–you will need to cook each cake separately. Use a foil sling to make it easier to remove the pan after cooking. If using stackable pans, stack, and cover using the sealing (non-perforated) lid and close the interlocking handle.
  6. Place 1.5 cups of water and the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Carefully lower the pan(s) onto the trivet, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed
  7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- buttons and program the Instant Pot for 18 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release until the pin drops on its own.
  9. Remove cake(s), uncover and set on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
  10. Turn cake onto a plate for serving.

*If your Instant Pot does not have a MANUAL function, use the Pressure Cook function.