Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of a classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake! This recipe takes you on a journey from simple ingredients to a golden-brown, caramelized masterpiece that’s sure to impress. The vibrant pineapple rings nestled in a rich, buttery cake base create a flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and utterly delightful. This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight gatherings to celebratory dinners. Let’s get baking!
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the recipe overview. This delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cake is easier to make than you might think!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Servings | 12 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate): Calories: 350-400, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 50-60g, Sugar: 30-40g. Note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Packed Light Brown Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Large Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Canned Pineapple Rings | 1 (20 ounce) can, drained |
| Maraschino Cherries | 12 |
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This preparation step ensures your Pineapple Upside Down Cake won’t stick and will release beautifully.
- In the prepared pan, arrange the pineapple rings in a circular pattern, leaving some space between them. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. This creates the stunning visual centerpiece of your Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to cream until the mixture is very well blended. This is crucial for achieving a tender and moist Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. This process incorporates air into the batter and creates a light, fluffy texture for your Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough Pineapple Upside Down Cake, so be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple rings in the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly, making sure to cover all the pineapple slices. This step ensures even baking and distribution of the pineapple flavor throughout the cake.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This step is essential to allow the cake to set and prevent it from breaking.
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is best served warm, allowing the caramelized sugars to melt slightly and provide an extra burst of flavor. The warm, buttery cake combined with the juicy sweetness of the pineapple creates a symphony of textures and tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A drizzle of caramel sauce also complements the cake beautifully. Consider serving it with a side of fresh berries for a contrasting tartness.
Tips and Notes
For an even more intense pineapple flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just be sure to cut and drain it properly to prevent excess moisture in the batter. If you want a more pronounced caramel flavor, increase the brown sugar slightly.
Store leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best served within this time frame, as its texture and flavor are at their peak. You can even freeze slices of this delicious cake to savor later.
This incredible Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The caramelized pineapple and moist cake make this a truly exceptional dessert. This delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a must-try recipe for any occasion; baking this Pineapple Upside Down Cake will surely bring joy to your kitchen and delight to your taste buds!
