Pineapple upside down cake from scratch
I made it with fresh pineapple 🍍
Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch cake pan at least 2 inches deep (or a deep pie dish) with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking
TOPPING:
4 whole slices of fresh pineapple
9 maraschino cherries, patted dry with a paper towel
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup light brown sugar
CAKE
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
⅔ cup buttermilk
Making pineapple upside down cake from scratch is a delightful way to enjoy a nostalgic dessert with fresh, vibrant flavors. Start by preparing your pan carefully—spraying with nonstick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper ensures your cake releases easily after baking. The topping, which includes 4 whole slices of fresh pineapple and 9 maraschino cherries, creates a visually appealing and sweet caramelized layer once baked atop melted butter and brown sugar. The batter harmonizes well with the topping. Whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth before adding room temperature eggs and vanilla extract; this method helps aerate the batter for a tender crumb. Sift the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—to avoid lumps, then alternate mixing them with buttermilk into the wet ingredients. This approach maintains a moist yet structured cake. Pouring the batter over the caramelized pineapple and cherries evenly ensures every slice boasts a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Midway through baking at 350°F, tent the cake with foil to avoid over-browning while allowing it to cook thoroughly. Once out of the oven, cooling for at least 10 minutes in the pan helps set the cake and reduces sticking. Flipping the cake onto a serving platter reveals the beautiful golden pineapple and cherry topping. Removing the parchment paper carefully preserves the topping’s integrity. This cake makes a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with rich, buttery cake. Try experimenting by adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of spice, or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful introduction to classic baking techniques like preparing caramel toppings and combining wet and dry ingredients alternately to achieve moistness and fluffiness. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday celebration, this pineapple upside down cake from scratch is sure to impress with its authentic flavors and appealing presentation.
