Pineapple caramel cake

Pineapple Caramel Cake – A Flavorful and Sweet Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of caramel? Pineapple caramel cake is a recipe that perfectly blends flavors, having a slightly moist texture thanks to the caramelized fruit. This classic recipe has been enjoyed for generations and is perfect for special occasions or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 1 fresh pineapple
- 80 g brown sugar
- 180 g granulated sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Necessary utensils

- An electric mixer
- A cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom)
- A spatula
- A large bowl
- A small bowl for egg whites

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the pineapple
To achieve a truly delicious cake, choosing a fresh pineapple is essential. Cut off the ends of the pineapple and peel it, then slice it into pieces about 1 cm thick. Remove the fibrous core from each slice.

Step 2: Caramelization
In a pan, melt 20-30 g of butter together with 80 g of brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture turns into a golden caramel. Pour the caramel evenly into the bottom of the cake pan. Place the pineapple slices over the caramel, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, add 180 g of soft butter and 180 g of granulated sugar. Use the mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving an airy cake.

Add the 3 egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well after each ingredient.

Step 4: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 150 g of flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Sift the mixture to avoid lumps. Incorporate the flour into the butter and egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula.

Step 5: Beating the egg whites
In a small bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer until you achieve stiff peaks. This will give the cake a fluffy texture.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the butter and flour mixture. Use a spatula and mix with slow, gentle movements from top to bottom to retain the air in the foam.

Step 7: Baking the cake
Pour the batter over the caramelized pineapple slices in the pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 60 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Inverting and serving
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel will beautifully flow over the pineapple, creating an attractive presentation.

For an extra touch of flavor, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm and cold will make the dessert even more delicious!

A Brief History
Pineapple caramel cake became popular in the 20th century, inspired by cooking traditions where fruits were used to add moisture and flavor to dishes. It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform an ordinary dessert into a culinary masterpiece.

Nutritional Benefits
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to boost the immune system. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion. Butter, although high in calories, provides healthy fats and essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, but make sure to drain the pineapple well from the syrup to avoid a soggy cake.

2. How can I vary the recipe?
Try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the batter for a different texture.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour.

4. Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! The cake keeps well in the fridge and becomes even more delicious the next day.

Calories
A serving of pineapple caramel cake has approximately 320 calories, but it's important to enjoy this dessert in moderation, considering the delicious ingredients it contains.

Serving Recommendations
In addition to vanilla ice cream, this cake pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of fruit tea or a strong espresso can perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you're making this cake for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the result will surely be exceptional. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 piece pineapple 80 g brown sugar 180 g granulated sugar 200 g butter 3 eggs 150 g flour 1 teaspoon baking powder juice and grated zest of one lemon a pinch of salt vanilla ice cream

 Tags:  pineapple cake