Apr

National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day April 20

National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day April 20

Have you ever sunk your teeth into a slice of pineapple upside-down cake and wondered about its origins? This delectable dessert, with its caramelized pineapple and cherry topping, has tantalized taste buds for over a century. Celebrated annually on April 20th, National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day pays homage to this sweet treat, though its beginnings are shrouded in mystery. The tradition likely began as a clever marketing ploy to boost pineapple sales, embedding itself into American culinary culture. With the first recorded recipe popping up in 1927, the cake predates this by decades, hinting at an even richer history. This day isn't just about indulging in a slice; it's a nod to the innovation and enduring popularity of a classic American dessert. Ready to whip up your own or simply curious about its storied past? Either way, this is a day for cake lovers everywhere to rejoice and perhaps, bake a history lesson into every bite.

Key Takeaway

National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day is observed on April 20th each year and is believed to have started as a way to promote pineapple and pineapple upside-down cake.
Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that has been popular in the United States since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the first recorded recipe appearing in 1927. It is a fun and delicious way to celebrate this classic dessert with friends and family.

Day Activities

  1. Baking Bonanza: Kick off National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day with a baking bonanza. Gather your pals, roll up those sleeves, and dive into creating the perfect caramelized masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at this classic for the first time, there's nothing like the aroma of pineapple and cherries baking to get everyone in the celebratory mood. Don't forget to flip that cake with flair!

  2. Decorating Duel: After everyone's cakes have cooled, why not host a decorating duel? Let creativity reign as you and your friends decorate your pineapple upside down cakes. Use extra cherries, whipped cream, or even edible flowers to make your cake stand out. It's all in good fun, and hey, you get to eat the results. May the most eye-catching cake win!

  3. Virtual Bake-Off: Can't get together in person? No problem! National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day is the perfect excuse for a virtual bake-off. Set up a video call, choose a recipe, and start baking together, apart. Share tips, laugh over flops, and show off those golden, pineapple-topped beauties. It's a sweet way to stay connected and spread some joy, one slice at a time.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating a Sweet Slice of History: National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day isn't just about indulging in a sugary treat; it's a nod to a beloved dessert that has graced American tables for over a century. This day serves as a delicious reminder of how food traditions evolve and become part of our collective memory. So, why not whip up this classic cake and take a bite out of history?

  • A Perfect Excuse for a Baking Adventure: Let's face it, we're all looking for a good reason to experiment in the kitchen, and what better occasion than National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day? Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie, this day encourages everyone to try their hand at flipping the perfect cake. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to get creative and maybe even start a new tradition with your own twist on the recipe.

  • Bringing People Together: Food has this incredible power to gather folks around the table, and National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day is no exception. It's not just about the cake; it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of loved ones. So, why not host a cake-baking party or a small get-together? After all, nothing says "community" quite like sharing a homemade dessert.

Past & Future Dates

MonthDayYear
APRIL202022
APRIL202023
APRIL202024
APRIL202025
APRIL202026
APRIL202027
APRIL202028

FAQ

What is the significance of pineapple upside-down cake?

In the United States, pineapple upside-down cakes became popular in the mid-1920s after the Dole Pineapple Company sponsored a contest for pineapple recipes. They received over 2,500 various submissions for the inverted pineapple cake and ran an advertisement about it, which increased the cake's popularity.

How many days is pineapple upside-down cake good for?

You can store pineapple upside-down cake at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. In the refrigerator, it will last up to four days.

Can pineapple upside-down cake be left out overnight?

This upside down pineapple cake can be left out overnight if covered, but it's best to refrigerate the cake for any time longer than that. Allow the cake to come to room temperature or rewarm before serving. The cake should keep for five days in the fridge.

Why is baking a pineapple upside-down cake the most difficult cake to make?

The hardest part of making pineapple upside-down cake is the maneuver which turns the bottom of the cake pan into the top of the cake. Cooling the baked cake slightly before flipping it allows the topping to cool and stick to the cake before turning out.



Also Happens on April 20

On This Day in History — April 20

  • 2015 — Ten people are killed in a bomb attack on a convoy carrying food supplies to a United Nations compound in Garowe in the Somali region of Puntland.
  • 2013 — A 6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Lushan County, Ya'an, in China's Sichuan province, killing more than 150 people and injuring thousands.
  • 2012 — One hundred twenty-seven people are killed when a plane crashes in a residential area near the Benazir Bhutto International Airport near Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • 2010 — The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers and beginning an oil spill that would last six months.
  • 2008 — Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300 becoming the first female driver in history to win an Indy car race.
  • 2007 — Johnson Space Center shooting: William Phillips with a handgun barricades himself in NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas before killing a male hostage and himself.

More about history on this day →

Notable Births on April 20

  • 1995 — Jean Marie Dongou, Cameroonian footballer
  • 1992 — Kristian Álvarez, Mexican footballer
  • 1992 — Marko Meerits, Estonian footballer
  • 1990 — Luhan, Chinese singer, actor and ex-member of Korean boy band EXO (band).
  • 1989 — Carlos Valdes, Colombian-American actor and singer
  • 1988 — Brandon Belt, American baseball player

Notable Deaths on April 20

  • 2017 — Cuba Gooding Sr., American singer and actor (b. 1944)
  • 2016 — Chyna, American wrestler (b. 1969)
  • 2014 — Mithat Bayrak, Turkish wrestler and trainer (b. 1929)
  • 2014 — Rubin Carter, American-Canadian boxer (b. 1937)
  • 2014 — Neville Wran, Australian lawyer and politician, 35th Premier of New South Wales (b. 1926)
  • 2012 — Bert Weedon, English guitarist and songwriter (b. 1920)

Sports on April 20

  • NBA: Portland Trail Blazers @ San Antonio Spurs Final
  • NHL: Utah Mammoth @ Vegas Golden Knights Final
  • MLB: Detroit Tigers @ Boston Red Sox Final
  • Serie A: Fiorentina @ Lecce Full Time
  • Premier League: West Ham United @ Crystal Palace Full Time
  • MLB: Houston Astros @ Cleveland Guardians Final

All sports schedules for April 20 →