In a large bowl, use a spatula to mix the sugar and cream cheese until well-combined. Whisk in the eggs until there are no lumps remaining.
2. Step
Stir in the pineapple juice, melted butter, and pancake mix until the batter is thick and smooth.
3. Step
Make the caramel sauce: in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then add the brown sugar. Stir rapidly for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat once mixture starts to boil and thicken.
4. Step
Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 1-liter rice cooker bowl insert.
5. Step
Place one pineapple slice in the middle of the rice cooker bowl, then arrange the other slices in a ring around it. Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
6. Step
Pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices and shake to smooth out the top of the batter.
7. Step
Cook for 60 minutes.
8. Step
Remove the bowl insert from the rice cooker and invert the cake onto a plate.
9. Step
Slice and serve, topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.
