DIY Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Mix in a Jar: Giftable Recipe

Make a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Mix in a Jar for Easy, Impressive Desserts

If you want a dessert that looks like it took hours but is quick to prepare, try this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Mix in a Jar. It stores easily and turns into a moist, flavorful cake in about 40 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests or a simple weeknight treat.

Why Make a Cake Mix in a Jar?

Preparing a dry cake mix ahead of time saves effort and gives you a ready-made base for a variety of cakes. Keep a jar in the pantry and you’ll always have the foundation for an attractive, homemade dessert.

Dry Mix Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening

How to Prepare the Jar Mix:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Pack the mixture into a clean jar, seal it, and label it. Store in a cool, dry place—it will stay fresh for months.

How to Turn the Jar Mix into Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

When you’re ready to bake, transform the jar mix into a classic pineapple upside-down cake with minimal effort.

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 jar of the prepared cake mix

Directions to Make the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the water and vanilla. Add the jar mix and stir until smooth.

Assemble the Upside-Down Layer

The caramelized fruit layer is what makes this cake special. Follow these simple steps to create it:

1. Melt 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of butter in the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the melted butter.
3. Arrange drained pineapple slices on top of the sugar, placing maraschino cherries in the centers or between slices for color.
4. Pour the prepared batter evenly over the fruit and sugar layer.

Bake, Invert and Serve

Bake the cake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then invert the cake onto a serving platter so the fruit and caramel are on top. Allow it to cool a little more before slicing.

Tips and Variations

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon or two of rum or rum extract to the batter—this complements the pineapple nicely. (Optional; omit for children or non-alcoholic servings.)
• If you prefer crushed pineapple, drain it well and spread it evenly over the sugar before pouring the batter.

This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Mix in a Jar is a simple, flexible way to keep a delicious dessert ready to go. With a little prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can produce an impressive homemade cake any time.

Recipe Summary

Equipment

• 9×13-inch cake pan
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 jar of prepared dry cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter (for caramel layer)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 can pineapple slices, drained (or 1 can crushed pineapple, drained)
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions

1. Prepare and store the dry jar mix by combining flour, dry milk, baking powder, salt, sugar, and shortening. Pack into a jar and seal.
2. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
3. In a bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add the jar mix and mix until smooth (about 2 minutes).
4. In the prepared pan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar over the butter.
5. Arrange pineapple slices and maraschino cherries on top of the brown sugar.
6. Pour the batter over the fruit and spread evenly.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

Calories: ~491 kcal • Carbohydrates: ~77 g • Protein: ~5 g • Fat: ~19 g

Enjoy this simple, retro-inspired dessert that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!