Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that features caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries on the bottom of the cake, topped with a light and moist cake batter. When it’s done baking, the cake is inverted, revealing the beautiful caramelized fruit on top. It’s a favorite among many due to its delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors.

Time Estimate:

• The preparation time for this cake is around 20 minutes
• Baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
• So, in total, you can expect the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to be ready in about 50-55 minutes.

Here’s a simple recipe for making a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
• Maraschino cherries (as many as you prefer)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2:

In a 9-inch round cake pan or a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.

Step 3:

Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar in a single layer. You can place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice and add more cherries in between the slices if you like.

Step 4:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5:

In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in.

Step 6:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 7:

Pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple slices and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9:

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.

Step 10:

Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate while it’s still warm. Be cautious while flipping the cake to avoid any hot caramelized syrup.

Step 11:

Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion or as a sweet ending to a delightful meal.