How to Bake an Easy Upside-Down Pineapple Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking can be intimidating for many, especially if you’re trying your hand at something that sounds as complex as an Upside-Down Pineapple Cake. However, I’m here to tell you, fear not! This dessert, with its caramelized pineapple topping and fluffy cake base, is not just a treat to your taste buds but also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned baker, follow this step-by-step guide to whip up an Upside-Down Pineapple Cake that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the “how-to,” ensure you have the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup (130g) brown sugar
- About 8 to 10 pineapple slices (canned or fresh)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- 1 and 1/3 cups (165g) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Now, let’s get to baking!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as your cake needs to go into the right temperature to bake evenly.
While the oven heats up, take your 9-inch round cake pan and grease it with butter, ensuring you cover the bottom and sides. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to invert later on.
Step 2: Make the Topping
Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in the cake pan itself (you can do this in the oven for a few minutes). Then, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter. Arrange the pineapple slices over the brown sugar, creating any pattern you like. If you’re using maraschino cherries, place them in the centers of the pineapple rings or however you’d like for a pop of color.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the dry base of your cake. Ensuring these elements are well combined will help in achieving an even rise and texture in your cake.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
To your mix of dry ingredients, add softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until the batter is smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition.
Step 5: Pouring the Batter
Once your cake batter is ready and smooth, carefully pour it over the pineapple layer in the cake pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly over the pineapple.
Step 6: Bake and Wait
Place your cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know your cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The waiting might be tough, but it’s the perfect time to clean up or, better yet, make some coffee to go with your cake!
Step 7: Invert and Serve
Here comes the moment of truth! Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a plate or cake stand over the pan and carefully flip it over. If all goes well, your Upside-Down Pineapple Cake should come out easily, revealing a beautifully caramelized pineapple top.
Conclusion:
There you have it! A simple, yet stunning Upside-Down Pineapple Cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The process might seem detailed, but each step is straightforward and contributes to creating a cake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Don’t be afraid to give it a try, and who knows, it might just become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or treating yourself. Happy baking!