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Upside Down Pineapple





Irresistible Upside Down Pineapple Cake Recipe

Description of the Recipe

An Upside Down Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, caramelized topping and a moist, tender cake. This recipe stands out for its rich flavor and beautiful presentation, with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries creating a stunning visual on top. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients – Upside Down Pineapple

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices in juice, drained
  • Maraschino cherries

For the Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Upside Down Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

  1. Melt the butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a 9-inch round cake pan and put it in the oven until the butter is melted. Remove the pan from the oven.
  2. Add the brown sugar: Sprinkle 1 cup of packed brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the pan.
  3. Arrange the pineapple and cherries: Place the pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar mixture. Add maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple slice and in the gaps between the slices.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of reserved pineapple juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool and invert the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake, then place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

Tips and Variations on Upside Down Pineapple Cake

Tips

  1. Use fresh pineapple: For a fresher taste, you can use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned. Simply slice a fresh pineapple into rings.
  2. Prevent sticking: To ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pan, you can line the bottom of the cake pan with parchment paper before adding the butter and brown sugar.
  3. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.

Variations

  1. Experiment with other fruits: Try using other fruits like peaches, apples, or pears in place of the pineapple for a different flavor.
  2. Add spices: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
  3. Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of this cake.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Upside Down Pineapple

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Baking time: 45-50 minutes
  • Cooling time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice, based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Protein: 3g

Curiosities and Historical Background of Upside Down Pineapple Cake

This recipe has its roots in the early 20th century, coinciding with the increased availability of canned pineapple. The concept of upside-down cakes, where the topping is placed at the bottom of the pan and the cake is inverted after baking, was not new. However, the introduction of canned pineapple by the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now Dole) in the 1920s popularized this specific version.

In 1925, the Hawaiian Pineapple Company sponsored a recipe contest, receiving over 2,500 submissions for pineapple upside-down cake, solidifying its place in American dessert culture. The cake became a favorite for its delightful combination of sweet and tangy pineapple, caramelized brown sugar, and buttery cake.

The Evolution of the Recipe

Over the decades, the Upside Down Pineapple Cake has seen various adaptations and enhancements. Originally made in cast iron skillets, the recipe transitioned to the more commonly used cake pans, which provided a more consistent and evenly baked cake.

Cultural Significance

This cake’s unique presentation, with its beautifully arranged pineapple rings and cherries, also contributed to its popularity, making it a show-stopping dessert for gatherings and celebrations. The vibrant colors and attractive design made it a centerpiece at many parties, especially during the mid-20th century when decorative desserts were highly favored.

A Modern Twist – Upside Down Pineapple

In recent years, this recipe has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with bakers experimenting with different fruit toppings and even incorporating elements like rum or coconut to give the cake a tropical twist. This versatility has kept the recipe fresh and exciting for new generations of bakers and dessert lovers.

Fun Facts

  • Canned Pineapple: The invention of canned pineapple made this cake accessible to many, allowing it to be made year-round regardless of pineapple season.
  • Bake-offs and Competitions: This recipe has often been featured in baking competitions and fairs, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility.
  • Holiday Favorite: This cake is a popular choice for holiday gatherings, particularly in the United States, where it has become a nostalgic dessert for many families.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history. Its simplicity, combined with its visually appealing presentation, makes it a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this cake is sure to bring smiles and compliments. Enjoy the rich flavors and the beautiful appearance of this timeless dessert!