Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Fudge Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories of childhood baking flood my mind when I think about this delectable pineapple upside down cake fudge.

Warm caramel notes mingle with golden fruit chunks, creating a nostalgic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Grandma’s classic recipe inspired this modern twist, blending traditional flavors into a decadent confection.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety texture that melts smoothly across your palate.

Tropical pineapple rings nestled in buttery caramel deliver a delightful contrast of soft and sticky textures.

Compact and easy to prepare, this fudge brings restaurant-quality dessert magic right into your kitchen.

You’ll want to share these irresistible squares with everyone who walks through your door.

Why Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Is a Tropical Treat

• Transform classic pineapple upside-down cake into a delightful fudge that requires minimal cooking skills and time.
• Craft a sweet treat using just a few pantry staples like white chocolate, condensed milk, and pineapple, making it budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks.
• Capture the beloved taste of traditional pineapple upside-down cake in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge format that brings childhood memories to life.
• Create a unique dessert that will surprise and delight guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations with its unexpected and creative presentation.

What You Need for Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge

Primary Ingredients:

Chocolate Base:- White Chocolate Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Butter: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy fudge base with rich flavor and perfect consistency.

Fruit Components:- Crushed Pineapple, Maraschino Cherries: Provide classic pineapple upside-down cake flavor and vibrant color to the fudge.

Supporting Ingredients:

Flavor Enhancers:- Vanilla Extract, Salt: Boost and balance the overall taste profile of the fudge.

Optional Texture Additions:- Pecans, Walnuts: Add crunch and traditional nutty dimension to the fudge, complementing the fruit flavors.

Preparation Components:- Parchment Paper, Butter (for greasing): Ensure easy removal and prevent sticking of the finished fudge.

How to Make Pineapple Fudge That’s Sticky, Sweet, and Fun

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of fudge.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter

Melt ingredients over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Drained crushed pineapple

Carefully squeeze excess liquid from pineapple to maintain perfect fudge consistency.

Step 4: Add Exciting Texture

• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Step 5: Design Delectable Surface

Pour fudge into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Decorate top by pressing additional cherries and sprinkling nuts across surface.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate fudge for minimum 4 hours until completely set. Cut into delightful squares and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge

• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Squeeze excess moisture from crushed pineapple using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery fudge and ensure a perfect, firm texture.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or macadamia nuts for a personalized crunch that complements the sweet pineapple flavor.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce sweetened condensed milk slightly if you prefer less intense sweetness, balancing the natural tartness of pineapple.
• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Use premium white chocolate chips for smoother melting and richer flavor, creating a more luxurious fudge experience.
• Enhance Presentation: Arrange cherries and nuts strategically on top for a visually appealing dessert that mimics a classic upside-down cake look.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Pineapple Cake Fudge

• Store the pineapple upside down cake fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months without losing its creamy texture.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the texture to become grainy or separate.
• Always serve the fudge cold for the best taste and consistency, letting it sit at room temperature for just a few minutes before enjoying.

Great Pairings with Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge

• Blend smooth vanilla ice cream with a splash of pineapple juice to complement the cake's tropical sweetness and create a refreshing companion.
• Mix light rum with caramel syrup and a hint of pineapple juice to enhance the fudge's rich, buttery flavor and add a sophisticated adult twist.
• Brew a spicy chai tea with warm cinnamon and cardamom notes that balance the fudge's sweetness and provide a cozy, comforting contrast to the dessert's richness.
• Brew a strong coffee and top with coconut cream to echo the tropical pineapple essence and add a creamy, luxurious dimension to the fudge experience.

Fun and Fruity Variations of Pineapple Upside Down Fudge

Gluten-Free Pineapple Fudge: Replace regular white chocolate chips with gluten-free white chocolate chips and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Tropical Fudge: Swap butter and sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.

Nut-Free Pineapple Treat: Eliminate pecans and walnuts, focusing on the pineapple and cherry flavors for those with nut allergies.

Low-Sugar Pineapple Alternative: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk substitute to reduce overall sugar content.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Gooey pineapple upside down cake fudge blends classic dessert nostalgia with modern sweet indulgence. Caramelized edges and rich flavor create a melt-in-mouth experience you’ll savor with pure tropical delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 ¼ cups dried pineapple, diced
• 7 ounces marshmallow creme
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 13 maraschino cherries, halved

Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons yellow cake mix
• 2 teaspoons pineapple juice

Flavor Enhancers:

• No additional ingredients in this category

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for effortless removal.
2. Create a creamy base by combining white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan, gently melting over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
3. Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and introduce vanilla extract and a delicate pinch of salt, whisking until the combination transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
4. Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, eliminating excess moisture to maintain the fudge’s ideal consistency.
5. Fold the drained pineapple into the white chocolate mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy base.
6. Incorporate vibrant maraschino cherries and optional chopped pecans, gently stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
7. Transfer the decadent mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
8. Artfully arrange additional cherries and nuts on top, pressing them gently into the fudge for a visually appealing finish.
9. Refrigerate the fudge for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop a firm, sliceable texture.
10. Once fully chilled, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into precise, bite-sized squares ready for serving.

Notes

• Drain pineapple thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to prevent excess moisture from making the fudge runny and ensure a perfect texture.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, creamier fudge that melts more evenly and provides a richer flavor profile.
• Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with toasted almonds or omitting nuts entirely for a nut-free version that’s safe for those with allergies.
• Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain its delightful texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg