The Sweet Magic of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Sweet memories dance through my grandmother’s pineapple upside down cake, a nostalgic dessert that whispers comfort with every golden slice.

Caramelized rings gleam like treasure maps of flavor, inviting you into a world of buttery warmth.

Generations have cherished this classic treat, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Soft, tender crumb meets rich caramel in a magical transformation that defies gravity.

Rings of fruit nestle perfectly against a golden backdrop, creating a visual symphony that promises deliciousness.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary embrace.

You’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

Why James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake Is So Sweet And Classic

• Create a Nostalgic Dessert: This classic pineapple upside down cake brings back memories of grandma's kitchen, offering a sweet trip down memory lane with its caramelized fruit topping and moist cake base.
• Master a Simple Baking Technique: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe teaches an impressive technique of creating a stunning cake with minimal complicated steps, making it ideal for building confidence in the kitchen.
• Enjoy a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this cake combines beautiful presentation with delicious tropical flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Pineapple Juice: Enhances the cake's flavor and keeps it moist.

• Pineapple Rings: The signature fruit that creates the classic upside-down cake design.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a pop of color and sweet flavor to the cake's surface.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a caramelized, sticky topping that coats the fruit.
• Vanilla: Provides a rich, warm flavor to the cake batter.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Easy Steps For James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Pineapple juice

Whisk everything together until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Create Caramel Base

Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet on the stovetop and melt butter over medium heat.

Step 4: Make Sugar Syrup

Add brown sugar to the melted butter and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Arrange Pineapple Decorations

Carefully place pineapple rings in the skillet, positioning a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. Cook for 2 additional minutes in the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 6: Combine Cake Components

Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the pineapple and cherry arrangement, ensuring even coverage.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the skillet onto a serving plate, revealing the beautiful caramelized pineapple topping.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Pick Fresh Pineapple: Select ripe, golden yellow pineapple with sweet aroma for best flavor and texture in the cake.
• Prevent Sticking: Ensure cast-iron skillet is well-greased to help cake release smoothly when inverting onto serving plate.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert toothpick in center of cake; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and other ingredients to reach room temperature for smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Arrange Pineapple Carefully: Place pineapple rings and cherries neatly in the skillet for an attractive, professional-looking presentation.

Creative Spins On James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Gluten-Free Tropical Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the cake's rich flavor and moist texture.
• Vegan Pineapple Paradise: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, and use plant-based butter alternative to create a dairy-free and egg-free cake that's equally delicious.
• Rum-Soaked Caramel Upgrade: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of dark rum to the brown sugar mixture and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an adult-friendly tropical treat.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and add extra pineapple juice to keep the cake moist while reducing overall sugar content for a healthier alternative.

Pairing Suggestions For James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Wine and Cocktail Pairings
• Sip a chilled moscato or sweet riesling to complement the cake's caramelized sweetness and fruity pineapple notes.
• Craft a tropical rum cocktail with pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine to echo the dessert's vibrant island-inspired profile.
• Match the Cake's Richness: Complementary Beverages
• Brew a light, smooth vanilla-infused coffee to balance the cake's buttery caramel and enhance its warm, comforting essence.
• Enjoy a classic cream liqueur like Bailey's Irish Cream, which will harmonize with the cake's rich, sweet undertones and creamy texture.

How To Keep James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake Moist

• Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled cake completely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the package with the date to track freshness.
• Store the cake at room temperature in a cake carrier or covered container for 1-2 days maximum. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs About James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, canned pineapple rings work perfectly and are the most convenient option for this classic cake.

• Do I need a cast-iron skillet to make this cake?

While a cast-iron skillet is traditional, you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan as an alternative.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the pineapple upside down cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature, covered.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets tropical delight in this classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, where caramelized fruit crowns a buttery, golden sponge. Generations of bakers have cherished this retro dessert that delivers pure comfort with each delectable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Topping Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 6–7 fresh pineapple rings
• Maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even baking.
2. Create the cake batter by combining flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, vanilla, eggs, and pineapple juice in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
3. Select a 9-inch cast-iron skillet and melt butter over medium heat, coating the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar into the skillet, stirring continuously until it dissolves and creates a rich caramel-like glaze, approximately 1 minute.
5. Carefully arrange pineapple rings in the skillet, strategically placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
6. Cook the pineapple and cherry arrangement for 2 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly in the butter-sugar mixture.
7. Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the pineapple rings, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes.
10. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, revealing the beautifully caramelized pineapple topping.

Notes

• Enhance caramelization by using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor and perfect browning of the pineapple topping.
• Swap fresh pineapple rings with canned for consistent texture and easier preparation, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
• Customize the recipe by adding a splash of rum or coconut extract to the batter for an exotic tropical twist that elevates the classic dessert.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend without compromising the cake’s delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg