pineapple upside down cake (in an iron skillet)
cooking every pioneer woman recipe: part 21. sweets. okay don’t judge - this was my first time trying pineapple upside down cake. i like pineapples - just not a fan of fruit in the oven. surprisingly this wasn’t that bad! i especially liked the cake itself. it is very light. i opted not to put cherries in the middle although i know lots do!! #pineapple upside down cake #pioneerwoman #cooking #Recipe
ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
¼ pound (1 stick) butter
¼ cup shortening
1½ cups milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
One 20-ounce can sliced pineapple, 2 tablespoons juice reserved (drink the rest)
11/3 cups packed brown sugar
Maraschino cherries (optional)”
instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. To make the cake batter, in a large mixing bowl place the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, ½ stick of the butter, the shortening, milk, eggs, vanilla, and reserved pineapple juice.
3. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
4. Melt the remaining ½ stick butter in a 10- or 12-inch iron skillet over medium heat. Swirl to thoroughly coat the skillet.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. You want the entire surface of the butter to be covered in brown sugar. Do not stir.
7. As soon as the sugar dissolves, place a layer of pineapple slices over the top.
8. If desired, place maraschino cherries in the center of the pineapple slices. I love using cherries in pineapple upside-down cake. I think they’re kitschy.
9. Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple slices.
10. Evenly distribute it over the surface of the pineapple. Gently spread to even out the surface.
11. Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be slightly uneven on top, but don’t worry. . .the top will soon be upside down. Get it?
12. Immediately run a knife around the edge of the cake. . .
13. Then place a cake plate upside down on top of the skillet.
14. Very carefully invert the skillet so that the cake is turned upside down onto the cake plate.
15. Because of the butter, it should come out pretty easily; if a little bit of the cake sticks to the pan, just use a small knife to patch it back together. The cake is on the rustic/imperfect side anyway, so it’ll look just fine. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into wedges with a serrated knife.
Making pineapple upside down cake in an iron skillet brings a unique charm and rustic appeal to this classic dessert. Using an iron skillet helps deliver an even bake and creates a caramelized crust from the brown sugar and butter mixture, contributing to a rich flavor and pleasant texture that’s hard to replicate in a regular cake pan. From personal experience, don’t be intimidated by the inversion step; the buttery coating usually makes the cake slide out smoothly. If it sticks a little, simply patch it with a knife—it adds to the homemade, cozy vibe of the cake. Another tip is to reserve some pineapple juice from the canned slices to mix into the batter, which enhances moisture and pineapple flavor subtly throughout the cake, without overpowering it. I also appreciate the lightness of this particular recipe’s cake base, as it balances the sweetness of the caramelized fruit topping well. Though cherries are traditional, skipping them as the author did still yields a visually pleasing and tasty result. For those who enjoy a little extra color and flair, adding maraschino cherries can give the cake a kitschy, nostalgic look. Plus, the combination of tart pineapple and sweet cherries works beautifully. If you want to experiment, consider trying fresh pineapple slices instead of canned to give a fresher aroma and a touch of tanginess. You may need to reduce some liquid if the fresh fruit is very juicy. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and milk with appropriate vegan alternatives—though the finish might be slightly different, the cake can still be delicious. Overall, pineapple upside down cake made in an iron skillet is a delightful dessert that bridges traditional American home cooking with a slightly rustic technique. It’s approachable for both beginners and seasoned bakers and can serve as a charming centerpiece for any gathering or casual everyday treat.
