🍍 Pineapple Upside Down Cake
🍽️ Serves: 8–10
⏲️ Total Time: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
🍍 Topping:
-
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
-
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
-
7–9 pineapple slices (from 1 can, or fresh)
-
Maraschino cherries (optional, for the center of the rings)
🍰 Cake Batter:
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup milk (whole preferred, but any works)
-
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can, or fresh)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep Pan:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over low heat (or melt separately and pour in).
-
Sprinkle the 1/2 cup brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
2. Arrange Topping:
-
Place pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture.
-
Put a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring if desired.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
-
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
-
Mix in the pineapple juice and milk.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix).
4. Assemble & Bake:
-
Carefully spoon the batter over the arranged pineapple rings and smooth the top.
-
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
5. Invert & Serve:
-
Run a knife around the edge of the pan.
-
Invert the cake onto a serving plate while still warm — the gooey topping will be on top!
✅ Tips & Variations:
-
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth.
-
Use fresh pineapple for a bolder flavor (just slice thin).
-
Make individual cakes in a muffin tin — just reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes.
-
Want extra gooey topping? Add 2 more tablespoons each of butter and brown sugar.
Let me know if you want a from-scratch pineapple cake base, gluten-free version, or mini cakes for parties!
