32 Upside-Down Cake Recipes You'll Flip For (2024)

Home Recipes Cakes Upside-Down Cakes

32 Upside-Down Cake Recipes You'll Flip For (1)Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Aug. 24, 2023

    Pineapple? Yep! Blueberry? Got it! What about rhubarb? Here! We've got all the upside-down cake recipes you'll ever need.

    1/32

    Upside-Down Peach Cake

    Nope, not all upside-down cake recipes start with pineapple! Folks have been flipping over my peach upside-down cake for years. This dessert is very popular with my family and guests. —Terri Kirschner, Carlisle, Indiana

    Go to Recipe

    2/32

    Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

    This pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but you can make an upside-down cake with other fruits like peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    3/32

    Apple-Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake

    We love the combination of classic fall fruits in this cake. I bake the apples on the bottom to keep them plump and moist, then flip the cake so they're on top. This is best served warm with vanilla ice cream, but we enjoy digging in any time of day. —Christina Yahraes, San Francisco, California

    Go to Recipe

    4/32

    Taste of Home

    Black Forest Upside-Down Cake

    The divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    5/32

    Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake

    This recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario

    Go to Recipe

    6/32

    Pear Upside-Down Cake

    Using a packaged cake mix speeds up the preparation time of this tasty pear and pecan upside-down cake. This moist cake is pretty to look at and luscious, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    7/32

    Taste of Home

    Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake

    My grandmother gave me my first cast-iron skillet, and I’ve been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

    Go to Recipe

    8/32

    Strawberry Upside-Down Cake

    For a tasty twist, this special shortcake has a berry layer on the bottom. The tempting strawberry upside-down cake is a sweet that our family has savored for years. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    9/32

    Plum Upside-Down Cake

    Since my husband liked pineapple upside-down cake, I decided to give this recipe a try one night when we were expecting guests for dinner. Everyone pronounced this cake "Delicious!" and asked for seconds.—Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon

    Go to Recipe

    10/32

    Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake

    This upside-down pineapple Bundt cake, which is a variation on the classic confection, couldn’t be easier because it starts with a cake mix. Be sure to grease the Bundt pan well so it comes out clean. —Pat Remour, East Moline, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    11/32

    Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

    I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

    Go to Recipe

    12/32

    Taste of Home

    Peach Praline Upside-Down Cake

    This cake is filled with fresh peaches, roasted Saigon cinnamon, roasted ground ginger and toasted pecans – and that makes it different. — Jeanette Nelson, Sophia, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    13/32

    Sweet Cherry Upside-Down Cake

    This cherry upside-down cake is a summer staple in our house, and it's always welcomed at neighborhood and family barbecues. It's best served warm with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. —Nicole Nutter, Prosser, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    14/32

    Campfire Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

    We make these fun cakes while camping or in the backyard around a fire. They’re yummy for kids and adults alike. Be aware that the sandwich iron gets hot, so adults should handle and open it. —Cheryl Grimes, Whiteland, Indiana

    Go to Recipe

    15/32

    Taste of Home

    Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes

    Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    16/32

    Upside-Down Fruitcake

    I get tired of people bad-mouthing holiday fruitcakes. It’s one of my favorite holiday flavors and I look forward to it every year. This year, I decided to combine it with everyone’s favorite, upside-down cake. Try to say no to this fruitcake; I dare you!—James Schend, Dairy Freed

    17/32

    Homemade Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

    This light and airy yellow cake is moist but not too sweet, and the caramelized rhubarb topping adds tangy flavor and visual appeal. We like it served with strawberry ice cream. —Joyce Rowe, Stratham, New Hampshire

    Go to Recipe

    18/32

    Upside-Down Blood Orange Cupcakes

    Making blood orange cupcakes is my favorite way to use fresh blood oranges. I start with a cake mix and bump up the flavor with essential oil. No one knows these cupcakes are not from scratch. —Monica Chadha, Fremont, California

    Go to Recipe

    19/32

    Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down Cake

    At our house, cranberries are a favorite. I made this dessert for the first time in the 1990s. It started out as a pineapple upside down cake—I just changed a few things around! It keeps and travels well, so it’s perfect for taking to church dinners. And we love to share it with our son and grandchildren. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

    Go to Recipe

    20/32

    Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

    For a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas

    Go to Recipe

    21/32

    Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down Cake

    I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    22/32

    Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

    I have baked cupcakes for years. These easy to make treats make an attractive dessert for special occasions. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    23/32

    Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

    I’ve baked this cake every spring for many years, and my family loves it! Use your own fresh rhubarb, hit up a farmers market or find a neighbor who will trade stalks for the recipe! —Helen Breman, Mattydale, New York

    Go to Recipe

    24/32

    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

    Both kids and grown-ups like this gorgeous dessert. It'll keep a few days and is actually better the second day, so you can make it a day ahead. —Sherry Conley, Noel Hants County, Nova Scotia

    Go to Recipe

    25/32

    Blueberry-Lemon Upside-Down Cake

    I was young when I married, so I watched my mother-in-law to learn baking. This cake with fresh blueberries is one of her beauties. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    26/32

    Southern Peach Upside-Down Cake

    A dear friend from the South gave me the idea for this peachy cake. I add bourbon and top each slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. —Trista Jefferson, Batavia, Ohio

    Go to Recipe

    27/32

    Taste of Home

    Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

    My mom often made pineapple upside down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

    Go to Recipe

    28/32

    Gingered Apple Upside-Down Cake

    I like that this gingerbread delight is so deeply flavored and delicious. Served warm from the oven, a nice scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is definitely the icing on this cake. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

    Go to Recipe

    29/32

    Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

    No matter the season, this dump cake recipe is wonderful! It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    30/32

    Banana Upside-Down Cake

    For a fun and distinctive way to use bananas, try this banana upside down cake. Every time I serve this treat, someone requests the recipe. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    31/32

    Taste of Home

    Apricot Upside-Down Cake

    My Aunt Anne, who is a great cook, gave me a taste of this golden upside-down cake and I couldn't believe how delicious it was. Apricots give it an elegant twist from traditional pineapple versions. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

    Go to Recipe

    32/32

    Taste of Home

    Orange and Pear Upside-Down Cake

    I love cooking with my cast-iron skillet, whether it's to make a main dish or dessert. This upside-down cake is a fall version of a typical summer favorite. — Linda Persall, Cullman, Alabama

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: June 12, 2021

    32 Upside-Down Cake Recipes You'll Flip For (33)

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    32 Upside-Down Cake Recipes You'll Flip For (2024)

    FAQs

    When should you flip an upside-down cake? ›

    Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes and up to half an hour, then lay a flat plate over the top of the cake pan. Carefully flip the cake over onto the plate. Bang on the bottom of the pan for good measure, then lift the pan off.

    What cake pan is best for upside-down cake? ›

    The best pan to use for pineapple upside-down cake (or any cakes, for that matter) are shiny pans without a coating. They reflect the heat the best, creating cakes that are both tender with a light-colored crust.

    Can I use pineapple juice instead of water in a cake mix? ›

    You can infuse your mix with extra flavors when you use other liquids. For example, you could use orange or pineapple juice instead of water (in a 1:1 ratio) for a tropical twist.

    Can you turn a cake upside down? ›

    Then we could turn the cake over and ice it or sprinkle something sweet and appropriate on top of the cake. Angel food cakes are traditionally cooled upside down in the pan. Most others are cooled in the pan on a rack until cool enough to handle and then should be turned out while still warm.

    How do I make sure my upside down cake doesn't stick? ›

    The trick with upside down cakes is keeping the caramel and fruit from sticking to the pan when you unmold it. The answer is parchment paper. Prep your pan by greasing the bottom, placing a circle of parchment cut to fit in the pan, and then greasing the parchment.

    Can I leave my pineapple upside-down cake out overnight? ›

    This upside down pineapple cake can be left out overnight if covered, but it's best to refrigerate the cake for any time longer than that. Allow the cake to come to room temperature or rewarm before serving.

    What is a substitute for cherries in pineapple upside-down cake? ›

    The ratio of butter and brown sugar is fairly low, enough to create the rich carmely syrup in the pan, but not so much that the flavor of the fruit is lost. Skip the brightly colored cherries and replace them with candied or crystallized ginger pieces or a cluster cranberries.

    What does using milk instead of water in cake mix do? ›

    The average cake mix calls for the most boring of liquids: water. Instead of using water, substitute whole milk or your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, oat, and coconut milk work especially well). The milk adds fat, which results in a better flavor and density in your cake.

    What does adding milk instead of water do to cake? ›

    Milk's fat and protein add tenderness, structure, and flavor to a cake — all great attributes you want in your baking!

    What happens if I use milk instead of water in a cake? ›

    Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake.

    Why cut cake with knife upside down? ›

    With the knife turned upside down for luck, they cut the first slice together. (Your caterer should cut through the icing first to prevent your cake toppling over.) "Cutting the Cake" is announced by the toastmaster or best man and is toasted with champagne or sparkling wine.

    Do you stack cakes upside down? ›

    (It helps if you have a turntable—more on that below.) Next, stack your top cake layer upside down so the bottom of the cake faces up. Now you have a perfectly flat, crumb-free cake top. Some people discard the cake tops.

    Why do you turn an angel food cake upside down after baking? ›

    According to Cooking for Engineers, the cake could collapse under its own weight, which is most definitely not the heavenly reward you're aiming for. Turning your freshly baked angel food cake upside down while it cools ensures it will stay light and fluffy, with the heavenly, airy texture you desire.

    Why should you roll the cake while it is still warm and not later? ›

    Rolling while warm helps the cake remember its shape and prevents cracks. Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in its rolled-up shape. This helps set the roll and makes it easier to unroll, fill, and re-roll without cracking.

    Should you turn a cake halfway through baking? ›

    In the test kitchen, we often recommend rotating cakes, pastries, and breads in the oven halfway through baking to promote even browning. (This is especially important because most ovens do not heat evenly.) But we don't generally recommended rotating delicate, airy cakes for fear that they will collapse.

    How long to leave pineapple upside down before cutting? ›

    Resting the pineapple upside down for 30 minutes helps the juices to run back down and distribute for evenly juicy pieces. After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple. Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple.

    What happens if you don t turn angel food cake upside down? ›

    Every angel food cake has to be cooled upside down in the pan. Why? Until the cake is completely cooled, its spongy structure hasn't set. Flipping it upside down makes sure it doesn't collapse during that process.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Terence Hammes MD

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5784

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Terence Hammes MD

    Birthday: 1992-04-11

    Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

    Phone: +50312511349175

    Job: Product Consulting Liaison

    Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

    Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.