Description
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic American dessert featuring caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries atop a moist, fluffy vanilla cake. Its vibrant presentation and sweet-tangy flavor make it a beloved choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice (drained, juice reserved)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (or reserved pineapple juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour melted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan and evenly sprinkle brown sugar over it.
- Arrange the drained pineapple slices over the brown sugar mixture and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream granulated sugar and egg until fluffy. Add milk (or reserved pineapple juice) and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Pour batter evenly over the pineapple and cherries in the pan, smoothing the surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use reserved pineapple juice instead of milk for extra pineapple flavor.
- For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter for dairy-free version.
- Replace egg with flaxseed egg for an egg-free alternative.
- Optional add-ins: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pineapple upside-down cake, caramelized pineapple, classic dessert, vanilla cake, maraschino cherries, baking