This recipe provides instructions for making a classic and visually appealing Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, a moist and sweet cake baked with a caramelized topping of pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. When inverted after baking, the caramelized fruit forms a beautiful and decorative top layer, making it a delightful centerpiece for any occasion. The cake itself is typically a simple yellow or butter cake, providing a tender and slightly tangy contrast to the sweet and tropical topping. The signature of this cake lies in the preparation of the bottom of the pan before the batter is poured in. Butter is melted in the baking pan, and brown sugar is sprinkled evenly over the melted butter. Pineapple rings (either fresh or canned) are then arranged in a single layer over the brown sugar, and maraschino cherries are placed in the centers of the pineapple rings and in any gaps. The cake batter is then carefully poured over this fruit and sugar base. As the cake bakes, the brown sugar and butter melt together, creating a rich caramel sauce that infuses the pineapple and cherries. When the cake is finished baking, it is crucial to let it cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the caramel to thicken slightly but is still fluid enough to coat the cake. The warm cake is then carefully flipped over, revealing the caramelized pineapple and cherry topping. The moist cake, combined with the sweet and slightly tangy pineapple and the bright red cherries, creates a wonderfully flavorful and visually stunning dessert. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a nostalgic favorite that brings a touch of tropical sunshine to any table. It’s relatively easy to make and always impresses with its unique presentation and delicious taste. The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish containing a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. A slice has been removed, revealing the moist yellow cake underneath the caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries that form the top layer. The top has a rich golden-brown color from the caramelized sugar.
The texture of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful contrast between the moist and tender crumb of the cake and the soft, slightly caramelized pineapple slices and chewy maraschino cherries on top. The caramel sauce adds a smooth and slightly sticky element.
The flavor profile is a wonderful blend of sweet and tangy. The cake itself is mildly sweet with a hint of buttery richness. The caramelized brown sugar creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the tropical tanginess of the pineapple. The maraschino cherries add a burst of bright, sweet-tart flavor.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a moist cake baked with a layer of caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on the bottom of the pan, which becomes the decorative top when the cake is inverted after baking.
The preparation involves melting butter and brown sugar in a baking pan, arranging pineapple rings and cherries over the sugar, pouring cake batter over the fruit, baking until golden, and then inverting the cake onto a serving plate.
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings, drained (reserve some juice if desired for the batter)
- Maraschino cherries, halved or whole
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (or reserved pineapple juice, or a combination)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the 9×13 inch baking pan, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter over low heat on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can melt it in the oven while it preheats.
- Make the Caramel Layer: Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat (if on the stovetop). Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the pan.
- Arrange Pineapple and Cherries: Arrange the drained pineapple rings in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and fill any gaps with additional halved cherries.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened ½ cup of unsalted butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk (or reserved pineapple juice), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Batter Over Topping: Carefully pour the cake batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry arrangement in the baking pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the caramel to thicken slightly but is still liquid enough to pour over the cake when inverted.
- Invert the Cake: Place a serving plate that is slightly larger than the baking pan over the top of the pan. Carefully and quickly flip the pan over onto the serving plate. Leave the pan in place for a few moments to allow the caramelized topping to release and drizzle over the cake. Gently lift the baking pan off the cake. If any pineapple or cherries stick to the pan, carefully remove them and arrange them on the top of the cake.
- Serve: Serve the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this classic and delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! Its beautiful caramelized topping and moist cake make it a delightful treat for any occasion.