If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic desserts, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe. It’s a delightful mashup of the classic pineapple upside down cake flavors transformed into a luscious, creamy fudge that melts in your mouth. Imagine that buttery caramelized pineapple and cherry combo with hints of vanilla, all wrapped up in a smooth fudge — it’s truly irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a personal treat. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe is a breeze, and what’s truly amazing is how each simple component plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of rich, fruity, and creamy flavors. Every ingredient adds to the texture, taste, or that classic look we all love.
- White chocolate chips: These melt into a silky smooth base, giving the fudge its creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious sweetness and helps bind everything together for that fudge consistency.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and smoothness, balancing sweetness with a hint of creaminess.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds body and a subtle vanilla flavor, enhancing the overall cake-inspired taste.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures extra sweetness and helps firm up the fudge without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warm, inviting flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Crushed pineapple (well-drained): Provides that iconic pineapple element, juicy but not watery, adding tropical brightness to the fudge.
- Maraschino cherries (halved and patted dry): These colorful gems give bursts of sweet cherry flavor and a delightful visual appeal.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly greasing it. This ensures your fudge will come out easily without sticking, and it will keep those squares looking perfect when you slice them.
Step 2: Melt the Fudge Base
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter together. Stir continuously until everything is smooth and well combined. This creates the luscious foundation for your fudge, rich and velvety.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to achieve a thick, creamy texture. These dry ingredients thicken the fudge and bring that unmistakable vanilla cake essence.
Step 4: Add the Fruit
Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and the halved, patted-dry maraschino cherries. Take care not to overmix so that you keep the fruit pieces intact, which gives delightful bursts of flavor and festive color throughout your fudge.
Step 5: Set the Fudge
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the fudge to firm up and develop its perfect sliceable texture.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
After chilling, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper edges and cut into neat squares. Serve chilled for the very best creamy texture and dazzling flavors.
How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds that extra layer of tropical flair and visual charm to your fudge squares—perfect for impressing guests or brightening your dessert plate.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a glass of cold milk. Its sweetness complements beverages that balance flavors. You can also serve alongside fresh fruit slices for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe squares on a tropical-themed platter lined with banana leaves or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation that will transport everyone to a sunny paradise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fudge covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh up to one week, making it easy to enjoy your favorite flavors whenever the mood strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and lock in freshness. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Since this fudge is enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, you can let frozen fudge soften slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to bring back its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed canned pineapple?
Absolutely! Just be sure to chop and drain fresh pineapple thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture, which can affect the fudge’s texture.
What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?
You can try a homemade vanilla pudding powder substitute or increase the powdered sugar slightly. The pudding mix thickens and adds flavor, so the texture may be a bit softer without it.
Is it necessary to drain the maraschino cherries?
Yes, patting cherries dry prevents excess moisture that could make the fudge too soft or sticky, helping it set perfectly.
Can I substitute milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?
While you can, the flavor will shift significantly. White chocolate gives that sweetness and creamy base that’s essential to replicating the pineapple upside down cake flavor in this fudge.
How long does the fudge need to chill before serving?
At a minimum, chill it for 4 hours, but allowing it to refrigerate overnight will result in the best firmness and flavor development.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe is a charming twist on a beloved classic that I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing as much as I do. It’s simple to prepare, gorgeous to look at, and every bite is a nostalgic trip to sunny, sweet perfection. So go ahead, grab those ingredients and treat yourself and your friends to a fudge dessert that everyone will be raving about!
Print
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge is a deliciously rich and creamy treat combining the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries with luscious white chocolate fudge. Perfectly set in the refrigerator, this no-bake fudge makes for an easy, decadent dessert that captures the flavors of a classic pineapple upside down cake in a smooth, fudgy form.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Add-ins
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 8–10 maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the fudge doesn’t stick and is easy to remove after setting.
- Melt the Fudge Base: In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt together the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous to avoid scorching.
- Mix Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add the Fruit: Carefully fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and the halved, patted-dry maraschino cherries to distribute the fruit evenly without breaking up the cherries too much.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Slice & Serve: Once the fudge has set completely in the refrigerator, remove it from the baking dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent the fudge from becoming too watery.
- Patted dry cherries help reduce excess moisture and keep the fudge texture firm.
- Use parchment paper with a slight overhang to easily lift the fudge out of the pan.
- Store the fudge covered in the refrigerator for up to one week for optimal freshness.
- For a firmer fudge, refrigerate longer or briefly freeze before slicing.
