Classic Delight: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 7-8 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
For the Cake Batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over it.
- Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring, if desired.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the batter over the prepared topping in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Flip:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Place a serving plate or platter over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Let it rest for a minute before lifting the pan off.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- For a more caramelized topping, use dark brown sugar.
- Substitute canned pineapple with fresh pineapple for a fresher flavor.
