Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a beloved dessert that has been bringing joy to tables for generations. Its combination of caramelized pineapple rings and sweet maraschino cherries atop a fluffy, tender cake base offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The cake not only bursts with tangy-sweet goodness but also makes an eye-catching centerpiece, perfect for special occasions or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
7 pineapple rings (from canned pineapples, drained)
7 maraschino cherries
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapples)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Caramel Topping:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place 1/4 cup butter in a 9-inch round baking pan and melt it in the oven. Once melted, remove from the oven and evenly sprinkle 2/3 cup brown sugar over the butter.
Arrange 7 pineapple rings on top of the sugar mixture, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2/3 cup pineapple juice, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.

Make the Cake Batter:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter over the arranged pineapples and cherries in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Cake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Invert:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen the cake. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the caramelized pineapples and cherries are on top.

Conclusion:

This classic pineapple upside-down cake combines a timeless recipe with an elegant presentation. The tangy sweetness of the pineapple and cherries, combined with the soft cake and caramel topping, creates a dessert that pleases the eye and the palate. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence, making any meal feel special.