Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Sweet cranberry pineapple upside-down cake elevates ordinary dessert into a vibrant culinary adventure that sparkles with festive charm.

Tropical fruits dance together, creating a mesmerizing canvas of color and texture that instantly captivates hungry guests.

Warm spices and caramelized fruit layers contribute unexpected depth to this classic confection.

Elegant yet approachable, this cake promises a delightful balance between tart cranberries and luscious pineapple.

Each slice reveals a stunning mosaic of golden fruits nestled in a tender, buttery crumb.

Rich caramel notes intertwine with bright, zesty fruit flavors, producing a harmonious dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this showstopping treat with confidence and creativity.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that create a tangy sauce and add beautiful color to the cake.
• Pineapple Rings: Sweet tropical fruit that provides a classic upside-down cake foundation and caramelized texture.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes that enhance the overall fruit flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking staple that provides structure to the cake.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a tender and delicate cake texture.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter, Unsalted: Rich dairy component that adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the caramelization process.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy caramel glaze for the cake bottom.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic baking flavor.

How to Bake a Stunning Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Step 1: Craft Cranberry Sauce

• Grab most of the cranberries
• Toss in sugar
• Add orange zest
• Pour in lemon juice

Simmer ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until cranberries soften and sugar melts. Bump up heat to medium-high, letting cranberries pop open for 5-6 minutes. Fold in remaining whole cranberries, adjusting sweetness and seasoning with salt and pepper. Cool completely before using.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans and Caramel Base

• Butter six 4-inch springform pans
• Line pan bottoms with parchment paper

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla
• Salt

Beat until fluffy and light, about 4-5 minutes. Spread caramel evenly across pan bottoms. Layer cranberry sauce and gently press pineapple rings on top.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

• Butter
• Remaining sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to wet mixture. Gently fold in whipped egg whites. Fill pans almost to the top with batter.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes rest 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto serving plates. Wait before removing pans and parchment. Enjoy warm or store in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Tips for Getting the Fruit Layer Just Right

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the cake's perfect texture and balance of flavors.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and buttermilk to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Carefully fold egg whites into the batter to maintain their airy structure and create a light, fluffy cake.
• Even Caramel Distribution: Spread the caramel glaze evenly across the pan bottom for a uniform, golden coating on each cake slice.
• Cooling Patience: Let cakes rest briefly before inverting to help the caramel and fruits settle, preventing sticking and maintaining the cake's beautiful design.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Pineapple Cake

• Refrigerate: Store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the texture moist and flavors intact.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 1-2 months to preserve freshness.
• Reheat: Gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

What Drinks and Dishes Go with This Upside-Down Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Complement the cake's tangy cranberry and sweet pineapple flavors with a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture balances the cake's richness and provides a delightful temperature contrast.
• Enhance with Spiced Mulled Wine: Serve alongside a warm, aromatic mulled wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. The spicy, wine's complexity perfectly matches the cake's fruity and caramelized notes, creating a cozy winter dessert experience.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea with hints of orange and lemon, mirroring the cake's citrusy undertones. The warm, spicy tea cuts through the dessert's sweetness while enhancing its layered flavor profile.
• Combine with Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream subtly flavored with maple syrup and a splash of bourbon. This luxurious addition brings depth and sophistication to the already decadent dessert.

Fresh Twists on Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Tropical Berry Blast: Swap pineapple rings with mango slices and add passion fruit puree to the cranberry sauce for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile.
• Nutty Caramel Dream: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel glaze before adding fruit, creating a crunchy texture and rich nutty undertone.
• Spiced Citrus Celebration: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest into the cake batter for a warm, aromatic spin on the classic recipe.
• Winter Wonderland Edition: Replace cranberry sauce with a mixture of fresh and dried cranberries, and add white chocolate chips to the batter for a festive winter dessert.

Why Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Is a Festive Favorite

• Burst with Festive Flavor: This cranberry pineapple upside-down cake delivers a delightful explosion of tangy cranberries and sweet pineapple, creating a perfect balance of fruity goodness that dances on your taste buds.
• Master a Sophisticated Technique: The recipe teaches an elegant baking method with separate egg whites and a professional caramel glaze, making you feel like a professional pastry chef while creating a stunning dessert that impresses everyone.
• Celebrate Versatile Seasonal Comfort: Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons, these individual-sized cakes bring warmth and joy, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that feels both comforting and special.
• Preserve Maximum Freshness: With the ability to store the cakes for up to three days in the refrigerator, you can prepare this delectable dessert in advance, ensuring convenient entertaining and reducing last-minute kitchen stress.

Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry pineapple upside-down cake brings festive cheer with its jewel-toned layers of caramelized fruit and tender crumb. Holiday bakers find pure joy in this classic dessert that marries sweet pineapple and tart cranberries into one unforgettable treat you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Berries:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 6 sliced rings of canned pineapple

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup

Cake Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (4 ounces/113 grams) butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon table salt (or 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt)

Additional Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant cranberry sauce by simmering most of the cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and lemon juice over medium heat until the berries soften and break down.
2. Elevate the sauce’s complexity by increasing heat, allowing cranberries to burst and release their juices, creating a rich, glossy texture.
3. Fold in the reserved whole cranberries, adjusting sweetness and introducing a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper for depth.
4. Let the cranberry mixture cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Prepare six individual springform pans by thoroughly greasing and lining bottoms with parchment paper.
6. Create a luxurious caramel glaze by whipping butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until light and airy.
7. Distribute the caramel evenly across pan bottoms, ensuring a smooth, consistent layer.
8. Generously spread the cooled cranberry sauce over the caramel, then carefully place pineapple rings on top, gently pressing to secure.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the perfect baking environment.
10. Separate egg whites and yolks, whipping the whites to a frothy consistency and gradually incorporating sugar until stiff peaks form.
11. In a separate bowl, cream butter with remaining sugars, introducing vanilla and egg yolks to create a smooth, rich base.
12. Combine dry ingredients – flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt – in a separate vessel.
13. Carefully alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, maintaining a delicate balance of moisture and structure.
14. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, preserving their airy texture.
15. Divide the batter among prepared pans, filling nearly to the top for optimal rise.
16. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
17. Allow cakes to rest briefly in pans before inverting onto serving plates, carefully removing parchment.
18. Serve warm for maximum flavor, or refrigerate for up to three days, preserving the cake’s delicate texture.

Notes

• Make the cranberry sauce ahead of time, allowing it to cool completely for better flavor integration and easier handling.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that rises perfectly.
• Take extra care when beating egg whites, stopping just as stiff peaks form to maintain their delicate structure and prevent over-mixing.
• Line springform pan bottoms with parchment paper for effortless cake removal and a clean, professional presentation.
• Use fresh, ripe pineapple rings for the best caramelization and most vibrant flavor in the upside-down topping.
• Store leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving for the most tender texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg