Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients

  • 18-inch heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • 1 (16-ounce) can pineapple slices (reserve the juice)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 (8-ounce) jar maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 box (18.5 ounces) yellow cake mix, prepared according to box directions

Nothing says “wow” quite like a pineapple upside-down cake, and this version—made right in a Dutch oven over coals—is a total crowd-pleaser. With gooey caramelized pineapple, bright maraschino cherries, and fluffy cake, it’s a camping classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Cooking Steps

  • 1
    Line a 12-inch Dutch oven with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  • 2
    Melt butter in the lined Dutch oven over low heat.
  • 3
    Arrange pineapple slices on the bottom of the pan.
  • 4
    Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
  • 5
    Sprinkle with brown sugar and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice.
  • 6
    Prepare cake batter according to the package instructions and gently pour over the fruit layer.
  • 7
    Cover the Dutch oven. Bake with medium heat coals on both the top and bottom for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 8
    Remove from heat and let cool for 8 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter and peel away the foil. Serve warm!

Why You’ll Love It

 Classic flavor with caramelized pineapple and cherries
 Bakes right over the coals—no kitchen required
 Foil lining makes cleanup a breeze
 Looks fancy but is super easy


Campfire Tips

  • Use 10–12 coals under and 16–18 coals on top for even baking in a 12-inch Dutch oven.

  • Rotate the lid and oven every 10–15 minutes to avoid burning.

  • Want to impress? Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Roughing It Easy

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