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Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake - featured image

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Author: jonathan_evans
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic yet vibrant dessert featuring glossy, caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries atop a moist, buttery cake. This recipe balances sweetness with the bright acidity of pineapple for a complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 pineapple rings (from a 20-ounce can), drained well
  • 1 maraschino cherry per pineapple ring
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
  2. In the cake pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and turns light amber.
  3. Remove pan from heat. Immediately arrange pineapple rings in a single layer over the caramel and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Press gently to stick.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  7. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined; do not overmix.
  8. Pour batter evenly over pineapple rings and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the pan and flip firmly in one swift motion. Lift pan off and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure pineapple rings are drained well to prevent a soggy bottom. Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. If the caramel burns, start over as burnt sugar cannot be fixed. The cake is best served at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 50
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: pineapple upside down cake, caramel cake, dessert recipe, easy baking, classic cake, fruit cake

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Find it online: https://platepure.com/classic-pineapple-upside-down-cake-the-zesty-acid-that-cuts-through/