There’s something undeniably cheerful about a pineapple upside-down cake. Maybe it’s the vibrant yellow hue, the glistening caramelized pineapple rings, or the intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. Whatever the reason, this classic dessert always brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re looking for a treat that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing, then look no further. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly baked pineapple upside-down cake that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings, drained well
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick
Baking the Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Creating the Caramelized Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the butter-sugar mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
- Arrange the pineapple rings over the caramel, placing them close together. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
2. Mixing the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
3. Assembling and Baking the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter over the pineapple rings in the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cooling and Inverting the Cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Carefully flip the cake over onto the plate.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake in a Pan
Tips for a Delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:
- Use fresh pineapple: While canned pineapple rings are convenient, using fresh pineapple slices will enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping by 2 tablespoons.
- Add a pinch of spice: For a warm and comforting flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
- Serve warm: Pineapple upside-down cake is best served warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Slice on a Plate
FAQs about Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Can I make this cake with a different fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pineapple rings with other fruits like peaches, pears, or even apples. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the fruit you choose.
Can I use a different type of pan?
While a 9-inch round cake pan is standard for this recipe, you can use other oven-safe pans like a square pan or a springform pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
How do I store leftover pineapple upside-down cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy a Taste of Sunshine
There you have it! Now you can confidently bake your own pineapple upside-down cake. It’s a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. And if you’re a fan of pineapple, don’t forget to check out our recipe for Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Happy baking!
