Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a 9-inch round cake pan
Sprinkle 1 cup brown sugar evenly over the melted butter
Arrange pineapple slices over the brown sugar
Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring if desired
Prepare a yellow cake mix according to package directions or make a homemade cake batter
Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple layer
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Let the cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes
Run a knife around the edges of the pan
Invert the cake onto a serving plate
Lift the pan off carefully
Serve warm or at room temperature