Are you craving a moist, delicious cake but short on time? This Yellow Cake Mix Crushed Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is the perfect solution! It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers a surprisingly sophisticated and delightful dessert. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a sweet treat that's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a weeknight indulgence. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet stunning homemade cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In the prepared pan, evenly distribute the undrained crushed pineapple. Sprinkle the cup of granulated sugar evenly over the pineapple. Dot the pineapple with the melted butter. If using, sprinkle the nuts evenly over the butter.
Step 2: Combine the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. The batter will be thick.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter evenly over the pineapple and nut mixture in the prepared pan.
Step 4: Baking and Cooling
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 at least 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. The warm pineapple and caramel-like sugar mixture will create a beautiful and delicious topping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cake is completely inverted, let it cool further before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
- You can use a different type of cake mix, such as spice cake or chocolate cake, for a unique twist.
- If you don't have a 9x13 inch pan, you can use a smaller pan, but the baking time might need to be adjusted.
- For a more intense pineapple flavor, drain some of the juice from the crushed pineapple before adding it to the pan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy yellow cake mix crushed pineapple upside-down cake recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. It's a perfect example of how delicious and impressive desserts can be made with minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks. Enjoy!