Name: Pineapple Upside Down Mug Cake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 pineapple ring (or chopped pineapple); 1 maraschino cherry (optional); 4 tablespoons all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or white granulated sugar); 3 tablespoons almond milk (or dairy milk); 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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This Pineapple Upside-Down Mug Cake is your go-to treat when you are craving something sweet, fruity and nostalgic but don’t want to bake an entire cake! It’s a single-serve version of the classic dessert, made in minutes right in your microwave. With juicy pineapple, a buttery brown sugar glaze, and a soft vanilla cake, this mug cake brings tropical comfort to your day—no oven needed.

A small round pineapple upside-down cake with a cherry on top sits on a gray ceramic plate with a beige cloth in the background.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish.

Minimal Cleanup: Just one mug and a few ingredients—no mixer, no pans.

Perfect Portion: Great for when you want just a taste of dessert without leftovers.

Nostalgic Flavor: All the charm of a traditional pineapple upside-down cake in a cozy, microwave-friendly version.

Customizable: Use fresh or canned pineapple, add a cherry, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients.

Pineapple: Canned pineapple rings or chunks work best for convenience. If using fresh, make sure it’s cut small enough to fit and softened slightly in the microwave if needed.

Brown Sugar & Butter: This duo creates the signature gooey topping that caramelizes the pineapple just like in the classic version.

Flour, Sugar & Baking Powder: The base for the simple vanilla cake—light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up that caramel goodness.

Milk: Adds moisture to the cake. Dairy or plant-based milk both work well.

Oil or Butter: Oil gives a moister texture, while butter adds more flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.

How To Make Pineapple Upside Down Mug Cake

This mug cake mixes the batter in a separate bowl, rather than in the mug.

A white mug containing a yellow liquid with a pile of brown granules on the surface, placed on a speckled countertop.

Melt butter and brown sugar in a mug.

A white mug on a speckled countertop contains a pineapple ring with a maraschino cherry in its center, submerged in yellow liquid.

Place the pineapple ring at the bottom of the mug and add the cherry.

A white bowl containing flour, baking powder, oil, vanilla extract, and other wet ingredients sits on a speckled countertop.

Mix the cake ingredients in a small bowl.

A white mug on a speckled countertop contains a mixture of oil and batter.

Spoon the cake batter on top of the pineapple in the mug.

A white mug on a speckled countertop containing a baked mug cake that has risen above the rim.

Microwave until firm.

A small, round pineapple upside-down cake topped with a pineapple ring and a cherry, served on a gray ceramic plate.

Turn upside down on a plate to serve.

Recipe Tips

Microwave Times May Vary: Start with 1 minute 15 seconds, then check the cake. Add 10–15 seconds more if it’s not fully set.

Mug Size Matters: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10–12 oz to prevent overflow.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.

Let It Cool Slightly: The topping is very hot right after microwaving. Letting it sit for a minute or two helps it set—and avoids burnt tongues!

To Flip or Not to Flip: For the full upside-down effect, flip it out onto a small plate. But it’s just as tasty eaten straight from the mug!

A small pineapple upside-down cake topped with a cherry sits on a plate next to a dollop of whipped cream.

How To Bake It In An oven

Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Bake Time: 18–22 minutes

Container: Use an oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish (6–8 oz size)

Tips:

Place the ramekin on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Let it cool for a few minutes before flipping or serving.

Note: Baking takes a bit longer than microwaving, but the flavor and texture come out slightly more caramelized and cake-like. It’s a great option if you prefer a firmer cake or don’t use a microwave.

More Mug Cake Recipes

Enjoy these other mug cake recipes for a quick and easy dessert.

Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake

Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake

Apple Crumble Mug Cake

Biscoff Mug Cake