1-First step: Preheat and prepare the pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This helps the cake bake evenly from the moment it goes in. Next, spread 1/4 cup melted butter evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Try to coat the whole bottom so the sugar and fruit can caramelize properly.

2-Second step: Add the brown sugar and pineapple topping Sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar over the melted butter in an even layer. Then arrange the pineapple slices on top of the sugar. Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice, using all 18 cherries. This step gives the cake its classic pineapple upside down cake look and makes the top bright and festive.

3-Third step: Mix the liquid ingredients Pour the pineapple juice from the can into a measuring cup. Add water until you have 1 cup total liquid. In a large bowl, beat that juice mixture with 3 eggs and 1/2 cup vegetable oil until smooth. The juice adds flavor, while the eggs and oil help the cake stay soft and moist.

4-Fourth step: Stir in the cake mix Add 1 box of yellow cake mix to the bowl and stir until the batter is fully combined and smooth. Do not overmix, but make sure there are no dry pockets left. The batter should be thick but spreadable. If you want a slightly different flavor, white cake mix can work too, though yellow cake mix gives the most classic taste for pineapple upside down cake recipe with box cake mix.

5-Fifth step: Pour and bake Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple slices. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it gently so the fruit stays in place. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and starts to pull away from the edges of the dish. The center should feel set when lightly pressed.

6-Final step: Flip, cool, and serve Remove the cake from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Let it rest briefly, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter. If any juices remain in the pan, drizzle them over the top for extra flavor. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. For the cleanest slices, cool it completely before cutting, especially if you plan to top it with whipped cream or ice cream.