This cake is both kitschy and classic. A topping of sweet, oven-caramelized pineapple rings and bright red maraschino cherries gives it a look that harkens back to the last century. Nearly 100 years since the first recipe for it was published, you can find any number of modern versions like the recipe below.
Take care when arranging the pineapple rings in the pan since these will form the topping of the cake once it has been baked and turned out onto a serving platter. Choose the most perfect pineapple rings and arrange them in a single layer in a visually pleasing pattern. The butter and brown sugar will turn to a rich, caramel topping as the cake bakes.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
8
15 minutes
40 minutes
55 minutes
For the topping
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple rings in juice, drained, with juice reserved
For the cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
To make the topping, coat the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with the melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter and then arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer.
To make the cake batter, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, milk, vanilla, and the reserved pineapple juice. Add the dry ingredients in several batches, beating after each addition until incorporated.
Spoon the batter over the pineapple rings in the pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cake plate. Place a cherry into the center of each pineapple ring, if using, and serve warm or at room temperature.
