Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Easy Delight
This recipe for pineapple upside-down cake will guide you through creating a moist, delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. From family gatherings to potlucks, this classic treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We'll cover everything from ingredient preparation to baking tips, ensuring a perfectly caramelized pineapple and a tender cake every time. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a 9-inch cake. Adjust quantities as needed for different sized pans.
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve the juice)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramel:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan. This will prevent sticking.
- In the prepared pan, combine the brown sugar and butter.
- Melt the butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is bubbling and a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it!
- Arrange the pineapple slices evenly in the caramel, ensuring they are completely submerged.
2. Make 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.
- In a small bowl, gently whisk the buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the pineapple slices in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once inverted, the caramelized pineapple will be on top, creating a stunning and delicious presentation. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy cake.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cake and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Let it cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting it to prevent it from breaking.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet caramel, juicy pineapple, and moist cake is simply irresistible! Try it out and impress your friends and family. Remember to share your baking creations using #PineappleUpsideDownCake. Happy baking!
