This fruity dessert is easy enough for everyday baking but beautiful enough for summer entertaining.
We Are Drooling Over These Viral Pineapple Upside Down Pastries
Updated on Sep. 05, 2024
Who doesn’t love a pineapple upside-down cake? Their syrupy, caramelized topping paired with a fresh bite of pineapple and that delightful maraschino cherry is irresistible. But many struggle to finish an entire pineapple upside-down cake before it goes stale. Plus, sometimes you want a lighter dessert than a slab of cake.
TikTok food influencer Asma (@simplydiffrent_) is way ahead of you. In a viral recipe video that has already received over 1.7 million views, they introduce the pineapple upside-down pastry. It’s light, it’s gooey, it’s fruit-forward. Better yet, it only requires five store-bought ingredients—seven, if you count powdered sugar and ice cream for serving! Read on for instructions on how to make the pineapple upside-down pastries, as well as my personal tips to make them even more delicious.
What Is a Pineapple Upside-Down Pastry?
A pineapple upside-down pastry is a riff on a classic pineapple upside-down cake using store-bought puff pastry. The pastries bake upside-down—just like the cake—and then are flipped over to serve. This baking process results in a crispy, light pastry shell and a saucy, tender, flavorful fruit topping. They take less than 30 minutes to make and are the perfect after-dinner treat for summer entertaining!
How Do You Make a Pineapple Upside-Down Pastry?
To make the pineapple upside-down pastry, Asma works with a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
First, they drizzle a circle of honey onto the parchment, approximately the size of a pineapple ring.
Next, they place one pineapple ring on top and add a maraschino cherry into the middle. They add a circle of puff pastry on top, cut to be slightly larger than the pineapple ring. Using a fork, they crimp the edges of the pastry to totally enclose the fruit for maximum caramelization.
Lastly, they paint a beaten egg on top to aid in browning. Off-screen, they repeat this process to make three more pastries, then bake the pastries at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
@simplydiffrent_ Upside down pineapple puff pastry I’ve used the puff pastry viral hack and it was amazing. * Honey * Can sliced pineapple * Glace cherries or cocktail cherries * Shop bought puff pastry * 1 egg for egg wash * Icing sugar for garnish * Ice cream for topping (optional) 1- preheat oven to 180°C 2- line baking tray with parchment paper, drizzle honey on the parchment paper, arrange sliced pineapple on top, put the cherry in the middle 3- cut puff pasty into equal circles and place it over the pineapple. Seal the edges and brush egg wash on top than bake it for about 20 mins 4- when it’s done let it cool down than flip it over and dust it with icing sugar on top. Ice cream is optional #foodhacks ♬ company – Prod. Dior
Should I Use Honey or Brown Sugar?
In the comments beneath Asma’s video, many TikTokers suggest using brown sugar instead of honey. Traditionally, pineapple upside-down cakes—like this spiced version—use brown sugar, but I wanted to give Asma’s honey replacement a chance. After all, different sugars yield different tastes and textures in baking. So, I tried both to compare.
I preferred replacing the tablespoon or so of honey per pastry with brown sugar. The sugar caramelized better in the oven and blended into the flavors of the pineapple more easily. However, according to shoot photographer Adrienne Peña, “the honey tastes lighter,” so if you’re looking for just a touch of sweetness, opt for that.
More Recipes to Use Up Canned Pineapple
Now that you’ve finished your pineapple upside-down pastries, you can use up the remaining canned pineapple in dozens of ways. Try one of our recipes using canned pineapple, including everything from dinner rolls to Hawaiian-style burgers to a white chocolate fruit tart. When in doubt, you can always opt for more riffs on a pineapple upside-down cake, like these pineapple upside-down muffins!
Pineapple Desserts That Go Beyond Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple Pudding CakeMy mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
Pineapple RumChata ShortcakesThis deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pineapple Carrot Cake"This moist cake with cream cheese frosting is the best I've ever eaten," writes Jeanette McKenna of Vero Beach, Florida. "It's so simple, too, because it uses two jars of baby food instead of fresh carrots that need to be grated."
Creamy Pina Colada PieThis is a family favorite and super easy to make. Some like the consistency of this pina colada pie right out of the freezer and others prefer a softer pie—either way it's delicious! —Jenny Hales, Arcadia, Oklahoma
Vegan Tropical Magic BarsThese vegan magic bars are one of the easiest treats you can make. By using plant-based butter and condensed coconut milk, they are completely vegan-friendly. I also added some dried pineapple, mango and macadamia nuts to give them the tropical spin. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Editor
Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down CakeThis recipe is one of my favorites! The tropical flavors remind me of being on vacation with my family in the Caribbean—I have so many fun memories. —Stephanie Pichelli, Toronto, Ontario
Pina Colada Icebox CakeThis icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Hawaiian Sunset CakeThis three-layer sunset cake is pretty enough for company, but it's so simple to make that you'll find yourself baking it often. A boxed mix keeps it convenient while the fruity filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. —Kara De la Vega, Suisun City, California
Pineapple Star CookiesI'm grateful my neighbor gave me this special recipe. When you see the cookies' pretty shape and savor the pineapple filling and sweet frosting, you'll know they're worth the effort. —Sarah Lukaszewicz, Batavia, New York
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump CakeThis pineapple dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
Italian Pineapple TrifleMy grandmother made this rich, tempting trifle every year for our family’s Christmas Eve celebrations. Now I make it to carry on her special tradition. It’s an easy, delicious no-bake dessert everyone will love. —Ann-Marie Milano, Milton, Massachusetts
Pineapple CrunchA co-worker shared the recipe for this refreshing pineapple dessert years ago. Every time I take it somewhere, it's a favorite. —Betty Wiersma, Sherwood Park, Alberta
White Chocolate Fruit TartIt takes a little time to make, but this tart is absolutely marvelous, especially in summer when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware
Hummingbird CakeThis impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It also makes a great Easter dessert and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Pina Colada LushPina colada lush is such a fantastic warm weather dessert—it's so light and refreshing, and a breeze to make! I love how the tart pineapple pairs with the sweet coconut. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Pineapple Orange TrifleGuests are pleasantly surprised to see this lovely trifle on my holiday table. Coconut, pineapple and mandarin oranges lend a tropical taste to every spoonful. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Pina Colada Bundt CakeWe named this bundt a “pina colada” because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Pineapple Upside-Down CheesecakeMy mom often made pineapple upside-down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside-down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California
Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum SaucePineapple, rum and sugar have a longstanding and flavorful relationship that takes on new meaning when you add ginger and butter and turn up the heat. —Jamie Miller, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Pineapple Sponge PieHere’s a home-style delight featuring a fluffy sponge layer on top and a smooth custard on the bottom. The pairing of tangy pineapple and lemon is so refreshing after a big dinner. —Lola Beeler, Chillicothe, Ohio
Aloha CupcakesA friend asked me to make a coconut and pineapple cupcake for a gathering she was hosting. Everyone agreed that this beauty took them to the tropics. The macadamia nuts are completely optional (the friend happens to be allergic), and the cupcakes are still fantastic without them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Pina Colada Molded SaladMy gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Sunrise PopsBright, beautiful, cool, refreshing, sweet, delicious and wholesome—what's there not to like in these homemade pops?—Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Pineapple FluffPineapple fluff is a delightfully retro fruit salad—or is it a dessert?—with surprisingly delicious flavors and textures. This dish is just right for a summer picnic.
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down CakeThis pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Pineapple Coconut TassiesThese Hawaiian-style cookies may sound and look fancy, but they’re easy to make—and their simplicity makes them an ideal choice for baking with children. My granddaughter enjoys helping me measure ingredients. Children also can help shape the dough into balls, then you can finish them together. —Connie Shuff, York, Pennsylvania
Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt CakeThis upside-down pineapple Bundt cake, which is a variation on the classic confection, couldn't be easier because it starts with a cake mix. —Pat Remour, East Moline, Illinois
Pineapple & Macadamia Nut CakeThis delicious cake is one of my own invention. It's been a huge hit among family and friends and even inspired fierce bidding at a local charity auction! —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
Caribbean Bread PuddingA completely unexpected dessert from the slow cooker, my bread pudding is loaded with wonderful tropical flavors. I like to garnish it with a slice of fresh pineapple, whipped cream and a cherry—just like a pina colada! —Elizabeth Doss, California City, California
Pineapple CheesecakeThis no-bake pineapple cheesecake recipe is so simple, with a filling of cream cheese, sugar, pineapple and Cool Whip. It's your ticket a cool summer treat.
Also, learn about the benefits of pineapple for skin.
