Name: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 75g butter, melted; 75g brown sugar; 6 pineapple rings; 6 maraschino cherries; 150g caster sugar; 150g unsalted butter, melted; 3 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup of pineapple syrup; 150g self-raising flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder

Discover > Texas Recipes > Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

A pineapple upside down cake is a classic dessert where the cake batter is poured over a layer of caramelized pineapple rings and cherries (how long do cherries last?) at the bottom of the baking pan. After baking, the cake is inverted, revealing the caramelized fruit on top.

Upside down cakes (how long do cakes last?), including pineapple upside down cake, have a long-standing popularity in Texas. They are cherished for their nostalgic charm, simplicity, and delicious combination of flavors. The sweet and tangy pineapple paired with the caramelized sugar creates a delightful treat that Texans have enjoyed for generations.

Shopping List for Ingredients

Main ingredients of pineapple upside down cake include:

Pineapple Rings
Brown Sugar
Butter
Maraschino Cherries
Caster Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Self-Raising Flour
Baking Powder (how long does baking powder last?)
*Optional: Pineapple syrup from the can.
If you can’t find these ingredients in your local markets, you can order brown sugar, caster sugar, vanilla extract, self-raising flour, baking powder, and pineapple syrup online!

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10 x 8 baking tray with a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar.
Arrange six pineapple rings in the tray and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of pineapple syrup from the can. Whisk to blend.
Crack in three eggs, whisking well after each addition.
Sift in self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Whisk until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter over the arranged pineapples in the baking tray, shaking lightly to distribute it evenly.
Bake the cake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving platter, ensuring the pineapple and cherries are now on top.
Serve the pineapple upside down cake warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade pineapple upside-down cake, with its caramelized pineapple and cherry topping creating a delightful treat for any occasion.

The best places to get these items are from your local markets, but if you can’t find any nearby, you can easily order baking trays, mixing bowls, whisks, and serving platters online!

Finding Pineapples in Texas

Despite its warm, sunny climate, Texas is not a major player in the pineapple farming industry. In fact, the United States' pineapple production is very limited, with only two regions -- Hawaii and Southern Florida -- known for cultivating the tropical fruit. Pineapple plants require a delicate balance of warm weather, ample sunlight, and well-draining soil, and the Lone Star State's unpredictable weather and heavy soils make it a difficult place for commercial pineapple farmers to succeed.

While it is possible for dedicated home growers to cultivate their own pineapples by bringing their plants indoors during colder months, it may be more economical to purchase locally or from out of state. So next time you're looking for a taste of the tropics, remember that Texas may not be the go-to source for sweet, juicy pineapples.

Elevate Your Cake Recipe

To elevate the pineapple upside down cake recipe, you can incorporate some creative variations and additions. Here are a few ideas:

Coconut Flakes (how long do coconut flakes last?): Sprinkle a layer of toasted coconut flakes over the pineapple rings before pouring the cake batter. This adds a tropical twist and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Rum or Coconut Rum: Add a splash of rum or coconut rum to the cake batter or brush it onto the pineapple rings before baking. This adds a subtle boozy flavor that complements the pineapple.
Railean Distilleres in San Leon, TX, have Texas-made products that include Original Texas Spiced Rum™, Original Texas Coconut Rum™, and the Original Texas Sugar Cane Rum™.
Spices: Enhance the flavor of the cake batter by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?), or ginger. These warm spices can add depth and complexity to the overall taste.
Nuts (how long do nuts last?): Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts into the cake batter for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Fredlyn Nuts in Houston, TX, offers the highest quality bulk nuts at bulk rate prices.
Caramel Drizzle: After inverting the cake onto the serving platter, drizzle a homemade caramel sauce over the top. This adds richness and additional sweetness to the cake.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve each slice of pineapple upside down cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy element complements the cake's sweetness and provides a nice contrast in texture.
Presentation: To elevate the visual appeal, consider arranging the pineapple rings in a decorative pattern in the baking tray. You can also place additional cherries in between the rings or sprinkle some edible flowers on top before serving.

Remember to adjust the quantities and additional ingredients according to your personal preference and taste. These ideas can help add unique touches and flavors to make your pineapple upside-down cake even more special.

I highly recommend purchasing coconut flakes, cinnamon, and nutmeg online for a convenient shopping experience!

Yield: 6

Author: Mariano Clement Gupana