Are you craving a moist, delicious cake that's both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Then look no further! This Duncan Hines Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe takes a beloved classic and simplifies it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Forget complicated baking techniques – this recipe is your shortcut to homemade happiness. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of caramelized pineapple, buttery cake, and a sprinkle of sweet cherries! This is one of those easy recipes that always delivers delicious results, perfect for quick dinner ideas or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve 1/2 cup juice)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 box (15.25 ounce) Duncan Hines® Moist Deluxe® yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple prep step ensures your cake releases easily.
Prepare the pineapple base: In the prepared pan, arrange the drained pineapple slices in a circular pattern, leaving some space between them. Scatter the cherry halves amongst the pineapple. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the fruit. This creates the beautiful and flavorful upside-down effect.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and reserved pineapple juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The longer you mix, the lighter and fluffier your cake will become.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry mixture in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so keep a close eye on your cake during the last few minutes.
Cool and invert: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The warm caramel will gently melt, creating a delicious glaze. Use caution when inverting, as the caramel will be hot.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Use fresh pineapple: If you can find fresh pineapple, feel free to substitute it for the canned pineapple. Just ensure it's well-drained. This adds a more intense pineapple flavor.
- Get creative with toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, autumnal twist.
- Citrus burst: Substitute orange slices for some or all of the pineapple.
- Make it vegan: Use a vegan cake mix and substitute the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy recipe produces a stunning and delicious cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, showcasing the simplicity and satisfaction of homemade cooking. Enjoy!