Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A Delicious 5-Step Recipe

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert that delights with its softness and melting caramel. Easy to prepare, it transforms a simple snack into a colorful and delicious experience. Ideal for any occasion, this cake combines the sweetness of light batter with the tangy flavor of pineapple. In this recipe, we guide you step by step to achieve a perfectly golden cake, with tips for removing it from the mold and variations to vary the pleasures. Follow our tips for a delicious dessert that will delight young and old alike.

Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Practical information

• For 6 to 8 people
• Preparation: 20 mins
• Cooking: 35 mins
• Cooling: 10 min

Ingredients

• 150 g butter
• 80 g of brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 150 g of flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch of salt
• 400g fresh pineapple slices (or 1 can of pineapple in syrup)
• A few candied cherries (optional)
• 50 g of brown sugar for the caramel

Equipment for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• A 24 cm diameter cake tin
• A saucepan to prepare the caramel
• A salad bowl
• A whisk or mixer
• A spatula
• Parchment paper (optional)

Steps to make pineapple upside-down cake

1. Prepare the caramel

1. In a saucepan, melt 50g of butter with 50g of brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir regularly until you obtain a smooth, lightly golden caramel.
3. Pour the caramel into the bottom of the cake tin, spreading it evenly over the entire surface.

2. Arrange the pineapple

1. Drain the pineapple slices to remove the juice.
2. Arrange them on the caramel in the mold in a single layer.
3. Add a candied cherry to the center of each slice.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 ° C.

3. Prepare the dough

1. In a bowl, beat the remaining butter and sugar until creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix until you get a smooth, even dough.
4. Pour the batter over the pineapple slices in the pan.

4. Baking the cake

1. Bake at 180°C for approximately 35 minutes.
2. Check the cooking by inserting the blade of a knife: it should come out clean.

5. Demolding

1. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
2. Loosen the edges of the mold if necessary with the blade of a knife.
3. Place a plate over the mold and gently turn it over to remove the cake from the mold.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for making pineapple upside-down cake

Choosing the pineapple

For a flavorful cake, choose good-quality fresh or canned pineapple slices. If using canned pineapple, drain it thoroughly to prevent the caramel from diluting. Overripe fruit can make the cake too moist, while undersweetened fruit will benefit from a light dusting of sugar before baking.

Making caramel

The caramel should be golden and runny, but be careful not to burn it. Stir constantly over medium heat to achieve a uniform amber color. You can add a teaspoon of water or pineapple juice to adjust the consistency if necessary.

Smooth demolding

Allowing the cake to cool for 10 minutes before turning it over is essential to prevent the caramel from sticking to the mold.

Conservation and service

The cake keeps well at room temperature under a bell jar for 1 to 2 days. It can also be lightly reheated in the oven before serving to regain all the softness and fluidity of the caramel. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche for extra indulgence.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Variations

Substitute fruits

You can substitute pineapple with other fruits to vary the flavors. pears or peaches slices work very well and provide a soft texture.

Add textures

For extra crunch and indulgence, add grated coconut, flaked almonds or hazelnuts in the dough. You can also sprinkle some seeds on the caramel before arranging the fruit.

Flavor the dough

The dough can be enriched with lemon zest or orange to add depth to the flavor. A hint of liquid vanilla goes very well with pineapple and caramel.

Lighter version

For a less rich version, you can replace some of the butter with plain yogurt. This keeps the texture moist while slightly changing the texture and taste.

Benefits of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake remains nutritionally interesting despite cooking, which destroys the vitamin C and enzymes in pineapple. Its ingredients provide energy, fiber, protein, fats, and essential micronutrients, contributing to a complete snack.

Protein and lipid intake

Eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for maintaining body tissues and cell repair. They promote satiety and contribute to energy metabolism. The lipids in butter and eggs provide sustained energy, enable the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and support proper hormonal and nerve function.

Vitamins and minerals

The cake contains B vitamins found in eggs and butter, which are essential for energy metabolism and energy production. Pineapple and eggs provide minerals like potassium, manganese, and phosphorus, which are necessary for bone health, proper muscle function, and regulating fluid balance. These micronutrients support metabolism and the overall functioning of the body. Pineapple also contains dietary fiber, which helps regulate intestinal transit and maintain comfortable digestion.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe Summary

Ingredients

• 150 g butter
• 80 g of brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 150 g of flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch of salt
• 400g fresh pineapple slices (or 1 can of pineapple in syrup)
• A few candied cherries (optional)
• 50 g of brown sugar for the caramel

Steps

1. Make a caramel with 50g of butter and 50g of brown sugar, then pour into the bottom of the mold.
2. Place the pineapple slices on the caramel with the candied cherries in the center.
3. Beat the remaining butter and sugar, add the eggs one by one, then stir in the flour, bicarbonate and salt.
4. Pour the batter over the pineapples and bake at 180°C for 35 minutes.
5. Let cool for 10 minutes, turn the cake out onto a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Pineapple upside-down cake is a simple yet delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. Its combination of melted caramel and juicy pineapple makes it a recipe that appeals to young and old alike. Easy to prepare, it offers many variations to vary the flavors and textures according to your desires. The tips presented allow for successful caramelization and removal of the cake without difficulty, guaranteeing a perfect result. In addition to being delicious, this cake provides valuable nutrients thanks to the pineapple, butter, and eggs. It remains a staple of homemade desserts.

FAQ

How to make a moist pineapple upside-down cake?

To make a moist cake, beat the butter and sugar well before adding the eggs one by one. Sift the flour to help the cake rise. Be careful not to overbake the cake to keep it moist.

Can you use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use canned pineapple for your upside-down cake. Choose pineapple in light syrup to limit excess added sugar. Just be sure to drain the slices well before placing them in the pan for a moist cake.

How to prevent caramel from sticking to the mold?

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the mold with butter before pouring in the caramel. Let the caramel cool slightly for a few minutes before adding the pineapple slices and batter; this makes it easier to remove from the mold. Finally, wait 10 minutes before removing the cake from the mold after baking.

How long does pineapple upside-down cake last?

The cake can be stored at room temperature under a cloche or covered with plastic wrap for 1 to 2 days. To prolong its freshness, it can be lightly reheated in the oven before serving. It is best eaten quickly to enjoy the texture of the caramel and fruit.

Can pineapple be replaced with other fruits?

Yes, you can substitute pears or peaches to suit your taste. Adding shredded coconut, almonds, or spices like vanilla adds texture and flavor. You can also flavor the dough with lemon or orange zest for a more intense flavor.