Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with the perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every detail, ensuring your cake turns out beautifully every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
To make this classic dessert, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: fresh pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, butter, brown sugar, and a moist vanilla cake batter. The secret lies in the careful arrangement of the pineapple slices and cherries in the bottom of a cake pan, topped with a rich caramelized brown sugar-butter mixture. Pour the cake batter on top, bake to perfection, and voila! You’ll have a gorgeous, upside-down masterpiece.
With our easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- Maraschino cherries, drained
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Step 1: Preparing the cake batter
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set it aside.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 2: Preparing the caramelized pineapple topping
Now it’s time to prepare the caramelized pineapple topping that will go on the bottom of the cake pan.
In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Pour the caramelized brown sugar mixture evenly into the greased cake pan, making sure to coat the entire bottom surface. Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the caramel, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
Step 3: Assembling the cake
Carefully pour the prepared cake batter on top of the pineapple slices and cherries, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure to cover the fruit completely.
Step 4: Baking the cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once 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 before removing the cake from the pan.
Step 5: Removing the cake from the pan
To remove the cake from the pan, place a serving plate or cake stand upside down on top of the pan. Carefully flip the pan and plate together, allowing the cake to release onto the plate. Gently lift the pan off the cake, revealing the beautiful caramelized pineapple topping.
Step 6: Serving and garnishing the cake
Your Pineapple Upside Down Cake is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. To add an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with additional maraschino cherries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Common mistakes to avoid
While making Pineapple Upside Down Cake is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best possible outcome:
1. Overmixing the cake batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Be sure to mix until just combined.
2. Not greasing the pan properly: Ensure the cake pan is thoroughly greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
3. Using canned pineapple: While canned pineapple can be used in a pinch, fresh pineapple will yield the best flavor and texture.
4. Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to the recommended temperature for even baking.
