1-Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pan Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 baking dish and add 1/4 cup melted butter to the bottom. Spread the butter evenly across the pan so it coats the surface well. This helps the sugar melt smoothly and keeps the cake from sticking too badly later.

2-Step 2: Add the brown sugar layer Sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. Try to cover the full bottom of the dish so every slice gets that sweet, caramel-like topping. The sugar and butter will melt together while the cake bakes and form the shiny topping people love.

3-Step 3: Arrange the pineapple and cherries Place the pineapple slices from the 20-ounce can over the brown sugar layer. Set them in a neat pattern so the whole bottom of the pan is covered. Then put 1 maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice. This gives the cake its classic look and adds little pops of color when the cake is flipped over.

4-Step 4: Mix the cake batter In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup pineapple juice from the can mixed with water, 3 eggs, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Beat everything together until it is well blended. Next, stir in the 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix. Mix until the batter is smooth, but do not overmix. A smooth batter helps the cake bake up soft and even.

5-Step 5: Pour and bake Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple arrangement in the baking dish. Spread it gently with a spatula if needed so the batter reaches all the edges. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

6-Step 6: Cool briefly and invert Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan. Then place a tray or serving platter over the baking dish and carefully invert the cake onto it. Lift the pan away slowly so the pineapple topping stays in place.

7-Step 7: Let it cool and serve Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. This short rest helps the topping set a little and makes serving easier. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.