Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
This Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a blend of sweet and tropical flavors. The moist cake pairs beautifully with the caramelized brown sugar and buttery pineapple topping, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether served warm with a cup of tea or chilled for later, this cake will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the steps of making this mouthwatering dessert that is sure to delight family and friends.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple (canned) | 840 grams | Use canned pineapple slices for convenience, or fresh if preferred. |
| Glazed Cherries | 120 grams | Alternatively, you can use tinned cherries for convenience. |
| Butter | 1/4 cup | For melting and spreading in the pan. |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1 cup | Adds a rich, molasses flavor that perfectly complements the pineapple. |
| Cake Mix (Vanilla) | 500 grams | We used Pillsbury Vanilla Cake Mix, but any vanilla cake mix works. |
| Pineapple Juice | Reserved from canned pineapple slices | Adds flavor and moisture to the cake batter. |
| Sunflower Oil | 20 ml | For added moisture and to ensure the cake is light. |
| Pineapple Essence | 2 teaspoons | Adds a natural pineapple flavor to the cake batter. |
| Food Coloring (yellow, optional) | 1 pinch | Adds a cheerful yellow tint to the batter, enhancing its visual appeal. |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
100 minutes
Total Time:
115 minutes
Servings:
8
Cuisine:
Italian
Course:
Dessert
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
- In a 9-inch round baking pan, melt the butter in the oven.
- Once melted, spread the butter evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Arrange the pineapple slices over the brown sugar, creating a neat and beautiful pattern. Place the pineapple slices close together.
- Insert glazed cherries between the pineapple slices and around the edges, following your desired arrangement. Press the cherries gently into the brown sugar mixture. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, reserved pineapple juice, sunflower oil, and pineapple essence. If you wish, add a pinch of yellow gel food color for a vibrant hue (this step is optional).
- Mix everything together until well blended and the batter is smooth.
- Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared pan, over the arranged pineapple slices and cherries.
3. Baking:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked and has a moist texture.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Let the cake rest while it’s still warm.
4. Invert the Cake:
- Carefully run a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the edges of the cake.
- Invert the cake onto a cake stand or a large serving plate. Leave the pan on top of the cake for 2 minutes to allow the caramelized brown sugar to drizzle down over the cake.
- After two minutes, remove the pan carefully.
5. Let the Cake Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool for another 30 minutes before slicing. This ensures that the cake holds its shape and is easier to serve.
- Serve the Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake while it’s still warm with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a hot cup of coffee. If you prefer, you can also let it cool completely and refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Pro Tip: The beauty of this cake lies in the contrast of the soft, moist cake against the sweet, caramelized pineapple topping. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients like fresh pineapple slices and rich brown sugar for the best results!
This Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings together flavors of butter, brown sugar, pineapple, and cherries. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, a family gathering, or even a special holiday meal, it’s a recipe you’ll cherish and want to make again and again!
