Imagine capturing the sunniest flavors of pineapple upside down cake and transforming them into a luscious, spreadable treat — that’s the magic of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam. This unique jam brings together all your favorite dessert elements in a delightful jar, boasting juicy pineapple, vibrant cherries, a hint of almond, and the caramel-kissed sweetness of two types of sugar. Whether slathered on toast or topping your morning yogurt, this jam is guaranteed to brighten your breakfasts and enchant dessert lovers with every spoonful.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of familiar ingredients, you’ll be amazed just how easily this nostalgic treat comes together. Each element adds a layer of flavor, texture, or that classic pineapple upside down cake color we all adore. Grab your jars and let’s break down the essentials!

Crushed Pineapples: About 2 whole pineapples, these bring the sweet, tropical tang and some lovely texture that forms the soul of the jam.
White Granulated Sugar: This creates the backbone of the jam’s sweetness and helps everything gel perfectly.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth, caramel notes, and that extra nostalgic warmth reminiscent of classic cake topping.
Lemon Pulp and Juice: Thinly sliced and juiced, lemon brightens the flavors, balances the sweetness, and supports a lovely, fresh finish.
Water: Just enough to bring everything together and help with dissolving the sugar; it keeps the jam from turning overly thick.
Maraschino Cherries: Chopped and rinsed, these deliver pops of brilliant color and their signature sweet cherry flavor — a must for that “upside down cake” effect!
Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon brings a subtle, aromatic hint that will make friends ask for your secret ingredient.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam

Step 1: Prep Your Canning Equipment

Begin by getting all your water bath canning tools ready to go: sterilize your mason jars, make sure the lids and rings are clean, and set out your canning tongs. Starting organized will help the rest of the process flow effortlessly and safely!

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

Grab your largest, heavy-bottomed saucepot and pile in the crushed pineapples, white and brown sugars, lemon slices and juice, and water. Leave out the cherries and almond extract for now. As you slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stir often to help the sugars dissolve and mingle with the fruit.

Step 3: Cook to Gelling Point

Once your mixture is bubbling, crank up the heat just a little and cook rapidly, stirring frequently. Watch as the jam thickens and transforms into glossy, golden goodness. You’re looking for it to reach the gelling point — when a drop set on a cold plate wrinkles when nudged. Patience here guarantees that luxurious jam consistency.

Step 4: Add Cherries and Almond Extract

With the heat off, skim away any foam from the top if you see it. Now comes the fun: gently fold in your chopped maraschino cherries and pour in the almond extract. Stir just until everything is evenly distributed for bright cherry flecks and a whisper of almond with every bite.

Step 5: Ladle into Jars

Working quickly while the jam is hot, ladle it into your prepared jars, leaving a quarter inch of headspace at the top. This space helps create a proper seal during canning.

Step 6: Seal and Process

Wipe the rims clean, screw on the lids, and process the jars in a rolling boil water bath for 15 minutes. This final step ensures your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam is safe to stash and enjoy long after pineapple season has passed. Once processed, let your jars rest undisturbed for 24 hours so the seals set.

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam

Garnishes

A dollop of this jam looks stunning with a scatter of chopped maraschino cherries or a tiny wedge of fresh pineapple on top. Dusting with toasted coconut or a sprinkle of sliced almonds adds crunch and visual flair that’s both homey and festive.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam with classic breakfast breads — think thick toast, scones, or even warm banana bread. It also makes a delightful addition to a cheese board, balancing savory cheeses like brie or cream cheese, or even spooned alongside Greek yogurt and granola.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond breakfast, try spreading this jam between cake layers, swirling it into vanilla ice cream, or serving it as a playful topping on pancakes and waffles. For party favors, spoon it into mini jars and tie with ribbon for a cheerful, heartfelt homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, keep any leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam refrigerated. It will stay fresh for several weeks thanks to the sugar and citrus, just be sure to use clean utensils to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this jam! Make sure to use freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use — the texture and flavor will be just as bright as the day you made it.

Reheating

Most often, you’ll serve this jam straight from the jar, but if you like it warm, gently heat the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until just spreadable. Avoid boiling to preserve that perfectly set consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Definitely! If you’re short on time or fresh pineapple, canned crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup) works beautifully. Just drain well and proceed as directed for a delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam.

Do I have to process the jam in a water bath?

To safely store jam at room temperature for months, water bath processing is highly recommended. If you plan to skip canning, store your jam in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

How do I know when my jam has reached the gelling point?

The easiest method: drop a little hot jam onto a cold plate and push it gently with your finger. If it wrinkles, your jam is ready! If not, continue cooking a bit longer, testing as you go.

Can I swap the almond extract for something else?

Yes, you can try vanilla extract for a mellower flavor, or even a touch of coconut extract for a fun tropical twist if almond isn’t your thing.

What’s the best bread to pair with this jam?

It’s delightful on everything from hearty whole-grain toast to soft brioche or English muffins — no matter what you spread it on, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam will be the star!

Final Thoughts

There’s something about making Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam that feels like bottling up happiness to share. Whether you’re a longtime jam maker or a total beginner, this joyful recipe brings a little sunshine to every table. Give it a try and let your mornings (and desserts) taste as bright and happy as they look!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6–8 jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the sweet and tangy flavors of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jam with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a topping for desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Pineapple Mixture:

2 quarts pineapples (crushed)
2½ cups white granulated sugar
2½ cups brown sugar
1 lemon (pulp and juice, thinly sliced)
2 cups water

Additional Ingredients:

1 jar (16oz) maraschino cherries (chopped and rinsed)
1 tsp. almond extract

Instructions

Prepare Canning Equipment: Gather mason jars, lids, and rings for water bath canning.
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepot, mix all ingredients except cherries and almond extract. Bring to a slow boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Cook to Gelling Point: Cook rapidly until reaching gelling point, stirring frequently as mixture thickens.
Finalize Jam: Remove from heat, skim foam if needed, then fold in chopped cherries and almond extract evenly.
Jar the Jam: Fill hot canning jars with hot jam, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
Process Jars: Seal jars with lids and rings, then process in rolling boil water bath canner for 15 minutes. Allow jam to rest undisturbed for 24 hours.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Condiment
Method: Canning
Cuisine: American