Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Dole Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions. The sweet caramelized pineapple and cherries nestled in a buttery, moist cake base create a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise. It's a classic for a reason, and this recipe makes it simpler than ever to recreate this homemade cooking masterpiece. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick dinner dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounce) can Dole pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
Instructions:
Preparing the Pineapple Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
- Arrange the pineapple slices in a circular pattern on the bottom of the prepared pan. Tuck the cherries between the pineapple slices.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Pour evenly over the pineapple and cherries.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light and airy cake.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reserved pineapple juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Baking and Serving:
- Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry mixture in the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramelized pineapple and cherries will be on top!
- Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use fresh pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly, as fresh pineapple is less sweet.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in both the base and the batter.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or macadamia nuts would be a delicious addition to the batter.
- Use different fruits: Experiment with other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even berries.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and delicious dishes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dessert, perfect for any occasion!