This Crockpot Pineapple Cake Starts With a Box of Mix and Tastes Like Heaven: It’s a Lazy Baker’s Dream

Pineapple upside down cake is about as classic of a dessert as it gets. Even better, this moist, fruity cake comes together in a cinch thanks to boxed cake mix. This allows you to prep the batter quicker for a hassle-free dessert. While most recipes for this cake are oven-baked, I found one that cooks the treat in the slow cooker. Here’s how to make pineapple upside down cake from a box of cake mix, plus three bonus tips that guarantee delicious results.  

What is pineapple upside down cake?

This cake consists of a yellow cake baked with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top. It’s an eye-catching dessert that’s both sweet and moist. While the homemade version beats any store-bought variety, you can save time by making the batter with a boxed yellow cake mix. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the box for whipping up the batter before it’s ready to pour into the pan. Before you know it, you’ll have a fluffy pineapple upside down worth serving at a potluck, BBQ or picnic. 

3 additional tips for tasty pineapple upside down cake

Take your pineapple upside down cake to the next level by following these three simple tips.

1. Pat the pineapple rings and maraschino cherries dry.

To prevent a soggy cake, blot the pineapple rings and maraschino cherries dry after they’re drained. Then, arrange the fruit into the baking dish–placing a cherry inside of each pineapple ring for that signature look.

2. Use canned pineapple juice instead of water in the batter.

For a sweeter cake, add the leftover pineapple juice from the canned fruit into the batter in place of water. You can do this in a 1:1 ratio and continue mixing the batter until it’s well-combined. 

3. Bake the cake in a crockpot.

Believe it or not, your crockpot can do the job of baking this cake to yummy perfection. The appliance creates a humid environment, which prevents the treat from drying out. Since the cake is also baked low and slow, it’s fine to walk away for a bit and not have to worry about it burning. You’ll fall in love with this method and may even want to try it for other cake recipes.

How to pineapple upside down cake from a box of cake mix

This recipe comes from Betty Crocker’s website and uses boxed cake mix and the crockpot for an easy-prep treat. Serve the cake with whipped cream or ice cream and enjoy! (Watch the video by husband and wife duo Kyle and Mistie Knight to see this recipe in action.)

Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar pineapple rings, drained (save 1 cup of juice from can)
• ¼ cup melted butter, melted
• 10 maraschino cherries, stems removed, drained
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Vegetable oil, eggs and water or pineapple juice called for on the cake box

Directions:

• Active: 15 mins
• Total time: 3 hrs
• Yield: 12 servings

1. Spray 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter; spread evenly in bottom of slow cooker. Arrange pineapple slices on brown sugar mixture, cutting as needed to fit in one layer. Place cherry in center of each slice and around slices, as needed.
2. Add enough water to reserved pineapple juice to measure 1 cup. Make cake batter as directed on box, substituting pineapple juice mixture for the water. Pour batter over pineapple and cherries.
3. Cook on High heat setting 2½ to 3 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Turn off slow cooker; uncover. Remove ceramic base from cooker to cooling rack. Cool 15 minutes. 
4. Place heatproof serving plate upside down onto ceramic base; carefully turn plate and ceramic base over. Remove ceramic base.