Upside-Down Pineapple Cake

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert that has a sweet and caramelized note. In many versions, the cake is enriched with caramel that forms by cooking the sugar and butter in the base of the pan before arranging the pineapple slices. The recipe has evolved over time and can vary according to personal tastes, but here is a basic version you can try at home.

Ingredients

• 7 slices of pineapple in syrup (you can also use fresh pineapple if you prefer)
• 100 g of soft butter
• 100 g of brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 200 g of all-purpose flour
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• a pinch of salt
• candied cherries for decoration (optional)
• Maraschino or other orange liqueur (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
2. In a frying pan or directly in the ovenproof dish (if it can be used on the stove), melt 50 g of butter with the brown sugar until you get a caramelized mixture. Spread this caramel well on the bottom of the pan.
3. Arrange the pineapple slices over the caramel, you can also place a candied cherry in the center of each slice for decoration.
4. In a bowl, cream the remaining butter with the granulated sugar until it becomes fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the sifted flour with the baking powder and salt. If you like, you can flavor the batter by adding a bit of Maraschino or other orange liqueur.
6. Pour the batter into the pan over the pineapple and level the surface well.
7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then invert the cake onto a plate so that the pineapple is on the upper side.

Curiosity

The Pineapple Upside-Down Cake originates in the United States in the early 1900s, where it was popularized thanks to the widespread use of canned pineapple. This dessert remains a classic beloved in many parts of the world for its “surprise” aesthetic and the combination of flavors.

For an Italian twist, you can add some grated orange zest or amaretto liqueur to the cake batter for a touch of original Italian flair. Happy baking and enjoy your meal!