Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: how to make a delicious pineapple upside down cake. This classic dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. With its caramelized pineapple rings and rich buttery cake, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple rings, drained
- Maraschino cherries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Trust me, you’ll want to use a round pan for that classic pineapple upside down cake look!
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
In a small saucepan, melt the stick of butter over low heat. Once melted, add in the brown sugar and stir until fully combined. Pour the mixture into the greased cake pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. Now, arrange the pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar mixture. I like to place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 3: Bake and Assemble
Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple and brown sugar mixture in the cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for around 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once fully baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the caramelized topping to set a bit, making it easier to flip the cake later. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Slowly lift the pan off the cake, revealing the beautiful pineapple topping.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Your pineapple upside-down cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm or at room temperature and savor every delicious bite. This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Now that you have the recipe for this mouthwatering pineapple upside down cake, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start baking! It’s the perfect dessert to impress your friends and family, and with your personal touches and commentary, it will truly be a treat from your heart. Happy baking!