Pineapple upside-down cake

Upside-down pineapple cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience that combines enticing flavors and a spectacular presentation. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become your favorite, especially if you are looking for a cake that impresses both in taste and appearance. After all, who can resist a dessert with caramelized pineapple, dressed in a fluffy and aromatic batter? Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 1 medium fresh pineapple
- 150 g unsalted butter (50 g for caramelizing, 100 g for the batter)
- 100 g muscovado sugar (or simple brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 70 g glazed cherries
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving

Step by Step

1. Preparing the oven and the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking and a perfect result. Grease a 22 cm round cake pan or individual molds with butter and dust them with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Cutting the pineapple
If you choose to use a fresh pineapple, carefully peel it, removing the skin and hard core. Cut it into slices about 1-2 cm thick. If you're in a hurry, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure it is well drained.

3. Caramelizing the pineapple
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 50 g of butter. Once it has melted, add the muscovado sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the pineapple slices and cook for 5 minutes until they become golden and caramelized. The aroma of this process will fill your kitchen! If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice.

4. Adding additional ingredients
Once the pineapple is caramelized, add the shredded coconut and rum. Continue to cook until there is no liquid left, then remove the skillet from the heat. Add the glazed cherries and mix well. These will add a touch of sweetness and a contrast of texture to your cake.

5. Preparing the batter
In a large bowl, combine the remaining 100 g of butter with the powdered sugar. Mix until you achieve a creamy consistency. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each until fully incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake.

6. Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture along with the vanilla extract. Gently mix until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the airy texture of the batter.

7. Assembling the cake
Pour the batter over the caramelized pineapple slices in the skillet. Make sure the batter evenly covers the fruit. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test (if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done).

8. Inverting the cake
After the cake is baked, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This moment is truly magical – watch as the caramelized pineapple slices beautifully settle on top!

9. Serving
Serve the upside-down cake with fresh whipped cream. This will perfectly complement the sweet and aromatic flavor of the caramelized pineapple. For an extra touch of refinement, you can also add a bit of shredded coconut on top or a few fresh mint leaves.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the pineapple: Buy a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma. Check the leaves; they should be green and healthy.
- Muscovado sugar: This adds depth of flavor to the cake, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use simple brown sugar.
- Variations: You can try adding other fruits, such as peaches or strawberries, for a cake with a different flavor. Also, by replacing the rum with orange juice, you will get a non-alcoholic version that is just as tasty.
- Recommended drinks: The cake pairs perfectly with fruit tea or flavored coffee.

Nutritional Benefits

Pineapple is rich in vitamins C and B6, helping to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, it contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion. Muscovado sugar brings essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, giving the cake not only a fantastic taste but also nutritional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, but make sure it is well drained to avoid a soggy batter.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a lower-calorie sugar alternative.

- Can the cake be made a day in advance?
Absolutely! The cake keeps well in the refrigerator. I recommend serving it at room temperature for optimal flavor.

The upside-down pineapple cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a party with friends. By making this recipe, you will not only enjoy a delicious dessert but also bring a touch of joy to your culinary life. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy every moment of this delightful process!

 Ingredients: 1 medium fresh pineapple, 150g unsalted butter, 100g muscovado sugar (unrefined sugar), 3 tablespoons grated coconut, 2 tablespoons rum, 70g candied cherries, 100g powdered sugar, 100g white flour, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, whipped cream for serving.

 Tags:  cookie recipe pineapple cake