Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is an American classic from the 1920s featuring a layer of caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries baked beneath a moist, buttery sponge. Once flipped out of the pan, the fruit becomes a glossy, golden topping. The whole cake takes about 55 to 60 minutes to prepare and bake.
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 12 slices pineapple canned preferred, reserve juice
- 1 jar maraschino cherries about 10-12 cherries
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- ½ cup whole milk or substitute with almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Arrange the pineapple slices over the sugar layer, then place a cherry in the center of each slice.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Pour the batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries in the skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
Notes
- Consider using fresh pineapple for a more natural taste, but the classic canned version imbues the cake with its nostalgic flavor.
- Replace whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 614kcalCarbohydrates: 96gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 236mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 3gSugar: 73gVitamin A: 883IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 2mg
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