Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake for a Sweet and Tender Treat
Introduction
A crushed pineapple upside down cake brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any table. Many people remember it from family gatherings or childhood celebrations where its glossy caramelized fruit and soft tender cake created lasting memories.
The dessert is unique because the fruit topping bakes at the bottom of the pan and then becomes the star when the cake is inverted. The crushed pineapple blends perfectly with brown sugar and butter to form a rich and sticky topping while the vanilla sponge absorbs the sweet juices. Baking this cake at home provides a satisfying experience as the aroma of caramel and pineapple fills the kitchen. Each slice offers a delightful combination of soft moist cake and luscious fruit that appeals to all ages and is sure to impress guests.
The beauty of a crushed pineapple upside down cake lies in its simplicity. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, bakers of all skill levels can create a stunning dessert. The soft sponge pairs wonderfully with the sweet and slightly tangy pineapple topping creating a balance that makes the cake irresistible. Celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a simple weekend treat becomes extra memorable when this classic dessert is served.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a detailed table of the ingredients along with approximate calorie counts per serving.
| Ingredient | Amount | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed pineapple drained | 1 can (about 20 ounces) | 200 |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup | 231 |
| Butter for topping | 3 tablespoons | 306 |
| All purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Butter softened for cake | 1/3 cup | 544 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 144 |
| Milk | 1/3 cup | 27 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a medium baking temperature and lightly grease a round or square cake pan with butter or oil.
- In a small pan melt three tablespoons of butter over gentle heat and add the brown sugar. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth caramel.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the caramel layer.
- In a bowl whisk together the flour baking powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time while mixing slowly until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the batter over the pineapple and caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the cake turns lightly golden and a testing pick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately thirty five minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool for ten to fifteen minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Carefully lift the pan to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter enhances warmth and depth of flavor. For a tropical twist, consider adding a few chopped cherries or mandarin slices on top of the pineapple before baking. Coconut flakes sprinkled over the fruit layer create a sweet chewy texture that complements the caramel. Using fresh pineapple instead of canned provides a brighter and slightly tangier taste. For extra moisture, some bakers brush the sponge lightly with pineapple juice before serving.
Nutritional Information
A single slice of crushed pineapple upside down cake provides approximately three hundred twenty calories depending on portion size. It contains a moderate amount of protein from eggs and milk, and a higher content of sugar and fat due to the caramel and butter. While rich in flavor, the cake is best enjoyed in moderation. Its combination of fruit and soft sponge provides a satisfying treat that can serve as a dessert or sweet snack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full richness of the caramelized topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream enhances the flavor and adds a creamy contrast. Fresh berries on the side offer a colorful and refreshing touch. For gatherings, cut the cake into small squares and arrange on a platter with mint leaves for an elegant presentation. Pairing with coffee or tea creates a delightful experience for breakfast or afternoon dessert.
Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake for a Sweet and Tender Treat
8
servings15
minutes35
minutes320
kcalIngredients
For the topping
One can crushed pineapple drained
One third cup brown sugar
Three tablespoons butter
For the cake
One cup all purpose flour
One cup granulated sugar
One third cup butter softened
Two large eggs
One third cup milk
One teaspoon vanilla extract
One teaspoon baking powder
One quarter teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to a medium baking temperature and lightly grease a cake pan.
- Melt butter and brown sugar in the pan over gentle heat until the mixture forms a smooth caramel layer.
- Spread crushed pineapple evenly over the caramel mixture.
- In a bowl combine flour baking powder and salt.
- In another bowl beat softened butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time while mixing slowly until well blended.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter over the pineapple layer and spread it evenly.
- Bake until the top becomes lightly golden and a testing pick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly then flip it carefully onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized fruit topping.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a richer flavor allow the cake to rest for at least twenty minutes before serving. The pineapple juices settle beautifully and enrich the cake with extra moisture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream makes the dessert even more special.
Conclusion
A crushed pineapple upside down cake embodies comfort and charm with every bite. Preparing it at home allows the baker to enjoy both the process and the rewarding result of a beautifully caramelized dessert. The soft tender sponge combined with sweet pineapple and rich caramel makes each serving memorable. Sharing this classic treat with family and friends brings joy and creates lasting moments that are sure to be cherished. Each bite celebrates the simple pleasures of homemade baking and the timeless appeal of a sweet and fruity dessert.
