Description
This Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Cake combines the classic tropical flavors of pineapple upside-down cake with a creamy cheesecake layer. The moist yellow cake base is topped with pineapple slices caramelized in a brown sugar and butter glaze, then finished with a smooth, rich cheesecake topping. Perfect for dessert fans looking for a delightful fusion of cake and cheesecake in one impressive dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Topping
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (from the canned pineapple)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange pineapple slices: Place the drained pineapple slices evenly on the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Make pineapple glaze: In a small bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, melted butter, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this glaze mixture evenly over the pineapple slices in the pan.
- Prepare cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Add cake batter over pineapples: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the pineapple slices and glaze in the cake pan, spreading gently to cover all slices.
- Bake the base layer: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, indicating it is baked through.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: While the cake is baking, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, flour, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread cheesecake topping: Once the cake base is done, remove the pan from the oven and carefully spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked cake layer.
- Bake cheesecake layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake topping is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to set the layers fully.
- Invert and serve: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then flip it onto a serving plate so the pineapple side is facing up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Line the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- You can use fresh pineapple slices as a substitute, but adjust the glaze accordingly.
- Chilling the cake before serving enhances the cheesecake layer’s texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American