Crushed Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A Tropical Twist on a Classic

Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched paradise? Look no further than the delightful and incredibly trendy "Crushed Pineapple Upside-Down Cake"! This classic dessert gets a fantastic tropical twist with the inclusion of crushed pineapple, making it moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why Crushed Pineapple?

While traditional pineapple upside-down cake often uses rings, opting for crushed pineapple brings a new dimension to the dish. The crushed fruit creates a more integrated pineapple flavor throughout the cake, ensuring every bite is bursting with tropical sweetness. It also contributes to an incredibly moist crumb, making this cake truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, it's often more readily available and easier to work with!

Let's dive into creating this show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Topping:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
10-12 maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Here's how to create your own gorgeous Crushed Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
Pour the melted butter evenly into a 9-inch round cake pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter in the pan.
Carefully spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the brown sugar layer. If using, strategically place the maraschino cherries on top of the pineapple for a beautiful design.
Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pineapple and brown sugar topping in the prepared cake pan. Gently spread the batter evenly.
Place the cake pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential spills) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 6: The Grand Reveal!

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for only 5-10 minutes. This short cooling period is crucial!
Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
Place a large serving plate or platter upside-down over the cake pan.
Carefully, but swiftly, invert the cake pan onto the serving plate.
Gently lift the cake pan off, revealing your magnificent Crushed Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! If any pineapple or topping sticks to the pan, carefully reapply it to the cake.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.