Description
Tropical paradise meets classic dessert in this irresistible Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that promises golden caramelized fruit and moist, buttery cake. Sweet memories of family gatherings and sunshine dance on your plate, inviting you to savor each delightful, nostalgic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pineapple Topping:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 cups (266 grams) brown sugar
- 3 1/2 cups (525 grams) fresh pineapple chunks
Dry Cake Ingredients:
- 2 2/3 cups (333 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Cake Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft the caramel foundation by melting butter directly in a 9×13 glass baking dish within the preheated oven, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously distribute brown sugar over the melted butter, creating an even layer of sweetness.
- Artfully arrange pineapple chunks across the sugary surface, forming a decorative base for the cake.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: vegetable oil, milk, vinegar mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture.
- Blend ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, then intensify to high speed for 3 minutes, periodically scraping bowl sides to ensure smooth consistency.
- Gently pour cake batter over the prepared pineapple layer, maintaining an even distribution.
- Place the baking pan on a protective jelly roll pan or aluminum foil-lined rack to catch potential drips.
- Bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted reveals minimal moist crumbs.
- After baking, carefully loosen cake edges using a butter knife to prevent sticking.
- Swiftly invert the cake onto a clean jelly roll pan or large platter, allowing caramelized sugar to cascade over the surface.
- Allow cake to rest for 3 minutes before completely removing the baking pan.
- Serve at preferred temperature – warm, room temperature, or chilled – accompanied by whipped cream and maraschino cherries for a delightful presentation.
Notes
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk alternatives for those with specific restrictions.
- Ensure even caramelization by spreading brown sugar and butter carefully across the pan’s bottom to create a perfect golden-brown base.
- Prevent cake from sticking by greasing the pan thoroughly and using parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner presentation.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance, checking doneness with a toothpick and rotating the pan midway for consistent baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 255 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg