Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Introduction

A classic and delightful dessert, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake features a rich buttery flavor with caramelized pineapple rings and a soft, moist cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 150g light brown sugar
- 6 pineapple rings
- 6 maraschino cherries
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 120ml whole milk
- 60ml pineapple juice
- 60ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

To prepare this delicious dessert, start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan. Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it.

Next, arrange the pineapple rings over the sugar and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, mix the milk, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Pour the batter over the pineapple layer, spreading it evenly.

Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan by greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the greased cake pan. Evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar over the melted butter to create a caramelized base for the pineapple.

Step 3: Arrange Pineapple and Cherries

Carefully arrange the six pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring for added decoration and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the whole milk, pineapple juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the mixture of wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir the combination until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 7: Pour the Batter

Gently pour the prepared batter over the layered pineapple and cherry topping in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Invert

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.

Step 10: Serve

Slice the cake and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best enjoyed warm but can be served at room temperature as well. It pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving for the best taste.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as peaches or cherries, to create your own twist on the classic recipe.

Storage Instructions

Cooling and Initial Storage

Once the Pineapple Upside Down Cake has cooled for 10 minutes, it can be transferred to an airtight container. If you plan to serve it later, allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Refrigeration

This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure it is covered to prevent it from drying out and to keep other odors from affecting its flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, the cake can be frozen. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve the cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Pineapple Garnish

Enhance the presentation by adding fresh pineapple chunks or a slice of grilled pineapple on the plate alongside the cake.

Whipped Cream

Drizzle some whipped cream over each slice, or serve with a dollop on the side for extra richness.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 slice)

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter

Unsalted butter can be replaced with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

Sugars

Light brown sugar can be substituted with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a more natural alternative.

Milk

Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or oat milk for a lactose-free version.

Eggs

For an egg-free alternative, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil can be swapped for melted coconut oil or melted butter for richness.

Cook techniques

Melted Butter Layer

Pouring melted butter into the cake pan creates a rich, moist base, allowing the brown sugar and pineapple to caramelize beautifully during baking.

Caramelizing Pineapple

Arranging pineapple rings in the pan with brown sugar and butter caramelizes the fruit, enhancing its flavor and adding a sweet glaze to the cake.

Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients

Whisking dry ingredients together ensures even distribution of leavening agents, while combining wet ingredients separately helps to achieve a smooth batter without overmixing.

Proper Baking Time

Baking at a consistent temperature and checking for doneness with a toothpick ensures a perfectly baked cake, moist but not undercooked.

Inverting the Cake

Allowing the cake to cool slightly before inverting helps it release easily from the pan and prevents it from breaking, showcasing the beautiful pineapple top.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but ensure it's sliced evenly and cooked down slightly to release excess moisture.

What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?

You can use fresh cherries or other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in an oven at low temperature until heated through.

Conclusion

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a timeless dessert that brings together the tropical flavors of pineapple and the rich taste of a buttery cake. Its beautiful presentation and delightful taste make it a perfect choice for any gathering or special occasion. The combination of caramelized fruit and soft cake will surely impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Variation: Coconut Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist that enhances the flavor and texture.

Variation: Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Substitute half of the pineapple rings with sliced cherries to create a sweeter and vibrant cake.

Variation: Upside Down Cake with Rum

Incorporate a splash of dark rum into the batter for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pineapple.

Serving Suggestion: A la Mode

Serve warm slices of Pineapple Upside Down Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Pairing: Pineapple and Coconut Smoothie

Pair the cake with a refreshing smoothie made from pineapple, coconut milk, and ice for a complete tropical dessert experience.

Alternative Fruit: Stone Fruit Upside Down Cake

Experiment with peaches or plums in place of pineapple for a seasonal variation that offers a unique taste.

Special Occasion Twist: Layered Upside Down Cake

Create a layered version by baking two cakes, stacking them, and adding a pineapple ring and cherry layer between for extra impact.