Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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This isn’t your ordinary pineapple upside-down cake. We’ve taken this classic dessert and elevated it with a touch of sophistication. The caramelized pineapple rings, nestled in a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, are a delightful contrast to the moist, fluffy cake.

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple rings, drained
  • Maraschino cherries, optional

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar  
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:  

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Make the Topping: In the prepared pan, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Arrange the pineapple rings in a circular pattern, cut side down. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, if desired.
  3. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate 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.  
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.  
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter over the pineapple topping. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Invert and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Don’t Overbake: A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one. It will continue to cook as it cools.
  • Use High-Quality Pineapple: The quality of your pineapple will significantly impact the flavor of your cake.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: While classic maraschino cherries are a popular choice, you can experiment with other toppings like fresh berries or nuts.

Enjoy this delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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