Cast Iron Skillet Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
This cast iron skillet pineapple upside down cake is made from scratch with a buttery cake and caramelized brown sugar topping. Easy, nostalgic, and so good!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Resting Time15 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cast iron skillet cake, pineapple upside down cake, skillet cake
1 cast iron skillet or large oven-safe skillet (9-inches)
1 large mixing bowl
1 stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
10 tablespoonsbutter, divided
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
8ounces canned pineapple slices
5tablespoonspineapple juice (reserved from can), divided
8 - 10whole maraschino cherries
1cupall-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
¼teaspoonkosher salt or baking salt
¾cupgranulated sugar
1largeegg
⅓ cup whole milk
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Begin the cake recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a 9-inch cast-iron skillet and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.
Allow it to heat and add 4 tablespoons butter until melted and foamy. Stir in the ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon pineapple juice. Continue stirring the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
Remove it from the heat and add the 8 ounces pineapple slices to the top. Place the 8-10 maraschino cherries into the center of each pineapple ring.
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a large bowl with a hand mixer.
Add 6 tablespoons butter, and ¾ cup granulated sugar, and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding in the 1 large egg, ⅓ cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons pineapple juice. Add the flour mixture and mix enough to combine.
Carefully pour the cake batter into the prepared skillet on top of the pineapple mixture, trying not to disturb the pineapple topping.
Smooth out the cake mixture into an even layer. Place into the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs.
Carefully remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting it on a serving plate to serve. Slice and enjoy!