Upside Down Pineapple Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Tropical Treat
Are you ready to bake a cake that's as stunning as it is delicious? This upside-down pineapple cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet and tropical treat. The caramelized pineapple and buttery cake is a match made in heaven! This recipe focuses on simple techniques and clear instructions, ensuring even beginner bakers achieve success. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a classic 9-inch round cake. Adjust quantities as needed for different sizes.
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve the juice!)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup milk
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Prepare the Pineapple Topping: In the prepared cake pan, arrange the drained pineapple slices in a circular pattern, ensuring they cover the bottom evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple. Drizzle the melted butter over the brown sugar and pineapple.
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.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple topping in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramelized pineapple will now be on top, creating that beautiful upside-down effect.
Finishing Touches: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat!
Tips for Upside-Down Pineapple Cake Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, adjust the sugar to your preference, as fresh pineapple tends to be less sweet than canned.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before inverting prevents it from breaking apart.
Variations and Enhancements:
- Spiced Pineapple: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced twist.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the pineapple topping before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Cherry Pineapple: Combine pineapple slices with maraschino cherries for a festive look and flavor.
This upside-down pineapple cake recipe is a surefire way to impress your friends and family. The combination of sweet, caramelized pineapple and moist cake is irresistible. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy the delicious results! Remember to share your baking triumphs using #UpsideDownPineappleCake!
