By / Last Modified On February 20, 2023
This is a tender, sweet gluten-free pineapple upside down cake with a caramelized, perfectly sticky topping that is completely irresistible. Bursting with bright yellow and red colors makes this classic GF pineapple upside down cake recipe beautiful to look at and everyone will ask you for the recipe too.
This is a classic recipe that has been around for what feels like forever. Here is the history of pineapple upside down cake. Some of our readers have used apples or peaches in this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake recipe as well, to mix things up.
Love baking gluten-free cakes? You should try my Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake, Grain-Free Hummingbird Cake and Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake recipes. If you prefer cupcakes, then try these Gluten-free Pina Colada Cupcakes. If you are looking for other gluten-free desserts, here's my list of the best gluten-free desserts.
If you are interested in learning more about gluten-free baking. Then give this Gluten-Free Japanese Desserts course a try.
GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE RECIPE
Gluten-free pineapple upside down cake is a spectacularly impressive dessert. Bright yellow and red colors make this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake beautiful to look at, and the moist, sweet, tender, caramelized cake will make everyone ask for seconds.
I love to serve this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake at holidays or parties. It truly is a dessert that everyone can enjoy with fresh pineapple flavor whether they eat gluten or not. A dairy-free option is included in the gluten-free pineapple upside down cake recipe too.
WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE FROM SCRATCH
Pretty dessert - Bright yellow from the pineapple slices and red colors make this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake beautiful to look at and a real showstopper for holidays and parties.
Taste so good - It is so moist, sweet, and tender with a caramelized layer not like gluten-free cakes of the past.
Dessert for everyone - I am yet to meet anyone who doesn't enjoy this cake from gluten lovers to gluten-free like me.
INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour - I like to use Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Flour. This flour includes xanthan gum. Add xanthan gum if your flour does not have it in.
Baking Powder - A combination of baking powder and baking soda adds lift and rise to the cake.
Baking Soda - Works with the baking soda to create the perfect cake texture.
Salt - A bit of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Granulated Sugar - This is the sweetener we'll use for our cake.
Butter - Soften half of your butter for the cake batter and melt the other half for the topping.
Egg Whites - Separate your eggs and let the whites come to room temperature before mixing.
Milk - Any type of milk will work here. Choose dairy free milk if you like.
Vanilla Extract - A must for almost any cake recipe, vanilla is warm and rich. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Brown Sugar - Brown sugar helps to create the caramelized topping here.
Water - A little bit of water dissolves the brown sugar in the topping.
Pineapple Rings - Canned Pineapple slices in the shape of rings are perfect for this recipe. Cut the pineapple slices in half so you can fit more on the cake. Remove excess pineapple juice with a paper towel. Some have used pineapple chunks, but I don't recommend it.
Maraschino Cherries - These bright red candied cherries add a fun pop of color to this gluten-free dessert.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
Baking pan - You can use an 8 inch and 9 inch both works well. I've used a 9-inch pan. You can also use a 9-inch springform pan. Springform pans have a removable bottom and sides.
Whisk - I like to use a stainless-steel whisk.
Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls come in handy.
If you have any questions about making gluten-free pineapple upside down cake, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
- To make the topping, combine melted butter, brown sugar and water.
- Spoon the mixture into the pan, then arrange pineapple and cherries in the pan as shown.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together, set aside.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until combined.
- Add the egg whites and mix until combined. Then add the milk and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Spoon the cake batter carefully into the pan, trying not to disturb the topping.
- Bake as directed in the recipe below, or until done. Allow cake to cool for a bit before inverting onto a plate.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free pineapple upside down cake, please see the complete recipe below.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST GF PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
Prep the cake pan - You don't want this beautiful cake sticking to the pan and being ruined.
Dry off the pineapple and cherries - Use a paper towel and remove excess liquid so the cake doesn't go soggy.
Cool the cake - Cool the cake for 20 minutes and then flip it out.
DOES PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?
This cake can be kept out in an airtight container once cooled for up to 24 hours. Any longer than that, I suggest you refrigerate it. It will last for up to 4 days.
WHY IS MY GF PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE SOGGY?
You need to dry off the excess pineapple juice from the pineapple slices as well as the cherries with a paper towel prior to placing it in the cake batter. The added moisture in the pineapple slices and cherries will make the cake soggy.
DO YOU FLIP A CAKE WHEN IT’S HOT?
No, allow it to cool for 20 minutes and follow my helpful tips below.
HOW TO FLIP A GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
The most fun part of making this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake is the reveal! You will be flipping the cake over to reveal the pineapple slices and cherries that cooked at the bottom of the pan with all of that brown sugar, creating a caramelly, syrupy cake topping.
Prep your cake pan - To ensure that your gluten-free pineapple upside down cake releases cleanly from your pan, make sure that you prep your cake pan properly. The pan should be coated with a thin layer of grease (butter or shortening) before filling it.
Allow it to cool - When the gluten-free pineapple upside down cake comes out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, but not all the way. Set a timer for 20 minutes and then flip your cake.
Loosen the sides - You want to use a flexible spatula to go all the way around the outside of the cake pan to make sure that the sides are loose.
Use a plate - Finally, place a large plate or platter on top of your gluten-free pineapple upside down cake that's still in the pan. Hold the pan and the plate together and flip the whole thing over. Revealing the pineapple slices and cherries.
When you remove the cake pan, you will see your beautiful gluten-free pineapple upside down cake.
WORKING WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS
When working with or measuring gluten-free flour for gluten-free pineapple upside down cake, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet. Also ensure you use the correct flour. Gluten-free flour blend is different to a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
HOW DO I STORE GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE?
Leftover pineapple upside down cake can be kept out in an airtight container once cooled for up to 24 hours. Any longer than that I suggest you refrigerate it. It will last for up to 4 days.
CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE?
Yes, you can freeze this gf pineapple upside down cake. When bringing it to room temperature it may weep a bit due to the moisture formed on the pineapples. Wipe it off with a paper towel.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, you can. But it needs to be eaten within 24 hours for it to taste the best.
WHAT SUBSTITUTIONS / REPLACEMENTS CAN I MAKE IN THIS GLUTEN-FREE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE?
Dairy-free - To make this gluten-free pineapple upside down cake dairy-free, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free butter like Earth Balance Buttery Spread and the milk for dairy-free milk, like almond milk.
Use butter - Note that shortening does not work in this recipe. The butter adds flavor and helps with the tender texture.
MORE GLUTEN-FREE CAKES:
Gluten-Free Chocolate Bundt Cake - Perfectly dense, fudgy, and quick to make, this Gluten-Free Chocolate Bundt Cake will be a new favorite treat in your household. Making a gluten-free Bundt cake has never been easier.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake - Tender gluten-free pumpkin cake with smooth cream cheese frosting. This gluten-free pumpkin cake recipe is simple to make and has the perfect balance of pumpkin and spice.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake - This gluten-free gingerbread cake recipe is easy to whip up and is perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream frosting.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake - A tender, flavorful gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or buttercream frosting. I've included instructions to make a layered cake, sheet cake, and cupcakes from this gluten-free carrot cake recipe.
Grain-Free Hummingbird Cake - Grain-Free Hummingbird Cake that's tender, perfectly sweet, and naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Gluten-Free Caramel Cake - This delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free Caramel Macchiato Cake is bursting with caramel and coffee flavors and is topped with a dense, creamy vanilla bean frosting.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Ganache Cake - A sophisticated dessert that is smooth, rich, and delectable. This gluten-free vegan chocolate ganache cake is perfect for any time of the year.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cake - A layered cake filled with lemon curd and covered in a smooth, creamy lemon buttercream frosting; this gluten-free lemon cake will be the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
Paleo Apple Cake - One bowl paleo apple cake that's tender, rich with apples and cinnamon, and simple to make. This paleo apple cake recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free.
Gluten-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This is a tender, sweet gluten-free pineapple upside down dessert with a caramelized, perfectly sticky topping that is completely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 and ⅓ cups all-purpose gluten free flour (I used Bob's 1-to-1)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- ⅔ cups milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon water
- 16-ounce can pineapple rings drained and halved
- 6 maraschino cherries, halved
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small mixing bowl in the microwave. Add brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water and mix until combined.
- Spoon the sugar/butter mixture into the pan.
- Arrange pineapple and cherries in the pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together; set aside.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar together until combined.
- Add the egg whites and mix until combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Spoon the cake batter carefully into the pan, trying not to disturb the topping.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
- Loosen sides and invert the warm cake onto a plate.
- Serve warm.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in center of oven. Grease an 8x1½” round cake pan; set pan aside.
For the Topping:
For the Cake:
Notes
- When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour. The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.
- To make this gluten free pineapple upside down cake dairy-free, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free butter like Earth Balance Buttery Spread and the milk for dairy-free milk, like almond milk.
- Note that shortening does not work in this recipe. The butter adds flavor and helps with the tender texture.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 174Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 194mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 1g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Linda
Wow, this is so beautiful! I'm going to make this for my mother's birthday next week. She always made this cake for me when I was a kid, and it's been forever since I've had it. <3
Bobbi traugott
Can I use Almond Flour in place of Bob Mill’s flour1:1 in my recipe because almond flour is gluten free?
chrystal
Almond flour is gluten free, but it's not a 1-to-1 in recipes for gluten free flour. It absorbs ingredients very differently.
Best,
Chrystal
Kelly
Hello-
Is there a way to make this without the egg whites? thank you.
chrystal
I haven't tried it without egg whites but chia egg or flaxseed egg might work. Just note that texture and color will be different.
Best,
Chrystal
Stephanie
Can I use coconut flour instead?
chrystal
Coconut flour doesn't' work in this recipe. Sorry!
Best,
Chrystal
Deb
Can this be made the day beforehand? What is the best way to store leftovers?
chrystal
Hi Deb,
Yes, you can make this cake the day before. I'd store it at room temperature covered or in a container. You can store it in the fridge, but you'll want to bring it to room temperature or heat it before you enjoy it.
Best,
Chrystal
Karen
Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
chrystal
You can use either, but I like to use salted butter.
Best,
Chrystal
Denise DeLeon
How well would it work to double the recipe and use a rectangular pan?
chrystal
It should work. If you double it you'll need to use a 9 x 13 and watch the bake time as the edges will cook before the center.
Best,
Chrystal
Carol Miller
What size pan to use for pineapple upside down cake?
chrystal
8 inch and 9 inch both work, but I use a 9 inch pan.
Best,
Chrystal
Jan
Do you use a spring form pan for this cake?
chrystal
No, I use a regular round cake pan.
Best,
Chrystal
Jan
Thank you!
Shelly
I'm wondering if aquafaba would work for the egg white substitute.
chrystal
I haven't personally worked with it in this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Teresa V
PUC is my husband's absolute favorite! I make his gluten version in a cast iron skillet. Can this one be made in a cast iron skillet? I want to make it for church this coming Sunday.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Teresa,
Yes, you can definitely make a gluten-free pineapple upside-down cake in a cast iron skillet! In fact, a cast iron skillet can be a great option for making this type of cake because it conducts heat well and can help caramelize the topping. I hope this helps, and I'm sure your church members will love this gluten-free pineapple upside-down cake!
Elizabeth Guardado
Hi what would I be able to substitute the butter with would avocado or coconut oil work ?
Lindsay
I think you could use either oil for the "topping" at the bottom of the pan, but for the cake, I would suggest using a vegan butter substitute that's made for baking.