15ozpackage yellow cake mixI used Betty Crocker, but you can use any kind you like
3large eggsor number specified in the cake mix directions
½cupvegetable oilor the amount specified in the cake mix directions
1cuppineapple juiceor the amount specified for water in the cake mix directions
1cuplight brown sugar
½cupunsalted butter
20ozpineapple slices packed in pineapple juicecan
8maraschino cherries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Drain the can of pineapple and save the juice to add to the cake mix. If the amount of juice doesn't equal 1 cup or the amount specified in the cake mix directions, add water to make amount called for.
Follow the directions on the cake mix box to make the batter, substitute pineapple juice for the water. Set aside.
Melt butter in a cast iron skillet or 10-inch cake pan over medium-low heat on the stove.
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the skillet and stir continuously until the sugar melts. This should take just a minute or so.
Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly space the pineapple slices around the bottom of the skillet over the butter and sugar mixture. Add a cherry to the center of each pineapple slice. (Optionally, you can wait to add the cherries until the cake is done to ensure they stay put, which is what I do.)
Carefully pour the cake batter on top of the pineapple, sugar and butter mixture and spread out evenly. If you use a cast iron skillet leave at least ½ inch at the top for the cake to rise, you will have a little less than 1 cup of batter left over.)
Place the skillet in the oven and bake as directed on the cake mix box.
As soon as the cake is done, place a plate over the top of the skillet and carefully turn it upside down. Remove the pan. Voila, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!
Notes
Sharon's Expert Tips:
Do not wait to remove your cake from the pan, if the sugar cools, you will not be able to get the cake out in one piece.
You can also make this cake in a 9x13 oven-proof baking dish, but you will need more pineapple slices and cherries to cover the top. It is also a little trickier to get out of the pan in one piece.