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National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

Celebrate National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day with a sweet treat - bake your own or order one online and enjoy!

Tuesday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDesserts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

April 20 marks an extra special day - it's National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day! This celebration has been around since the 1920s, when pineapples were first used as a topping for cakes. Since then, this delicious dessert has grown in popularity and is now one of the most popular cakes to bake and serve in homes across the world. Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth on April 20 by baking up some pineapple upside-down cake with friends and family!

TIMELINE

National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day Timeline

Early Upside-Down Cakes

In the 1800s, upside-down cakes became a popular baking method; fruits such as apples and cherries were commonly used as toppings.

Pineapple Introduction to USA

James Dole founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which eventually became a major force in distributing pineapples throughout the United States.

Invention of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

The first Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe likely made its debut around this time, with Dole hosting a contest to find innovative uses for their canned pineapple.

Recipe Phenomenon

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipes surged in American cookbooks and family kitchens, becoming a beloved dessert during the Roaring Twenties.

Betty Crocker's Version

Betty Crocker, a cultural icon in American cooking, included a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe in her Picture Cook Book, cementing the dessert's place in American households.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

Bake a pineapple upside-down cake

A classic way to celebrate National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day is to bake the cake yourself. Use your favorite recipe or search online for one that catches your eye. Don't forget the maraschino cherries and leave plenty of time for it to cool before serving.

VISIT

Visit a bakery

If you're not in the mood to bake, why not head to your local bakery and pick up a pineapple upside-down cake? It's an easy way to celebrate without all the fuss of baking at home.

MAKE

Make pineapple upside-down cake pancakes

Mix up some pancake batter, add in some diced pineapple, and top with a few maraschino cherries for a fun twist on the classic cake. Heat up your skillet, drop in the batter, and enjoy a breakfast treat.

HOST

Host a pineapple upside-down cake party

Invite your friends over and get ready for a fun celebration! Not only can you have everyone over to share and enjoy a pineapple upside down cake, you can also have a baking competition where everyone has to make their own variation of the cake.

Go out for pineapple upside down cake

Some restaurants offer their own take on the classic pineapple upside down cake. Do some research and find out which restaurants in your area offer this delicious treat!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

It looks stunning on a plate

In addition to tasting amazing, pineapple upside down cake also looks amazing when plated up for serving. The beautiful golden pineapple slices arranged on top of velvet smooth yellow cake provide a unique and stunning presentation for any special occasion!

It's a classic dessert

Pineapple upside down cake is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. Whether it's served warm from the oven or chilled from the refrigerator, this delectable treat is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

It's easy to make

Making pineapple upside down cake is surprisingly simple and only requires a few basic ingredients like butter, sugar, pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. Combine these ingredients with a basic cake mix, bake it in the oven and you've got yourself an amazing home-baked dessert!