Ingredients:
For the Topping:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices (or chunks), drained (reserve juice for the batter)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (use the reserved pineapple juice to substitute part of the milk if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture is bubbly and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of each baking pan.
- Arrange the pineapple slices (or chunks) on top of the sugar mixture.
- Prepare the Cake:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk (or a combination of milk and pineapple juice), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pineapple topping in the pans, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges of the cakes to loosen them from the pans.
- Invert each pan onto a serving plate to release the pineapple topping.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious pineapple upside down cake!
This cake has a beautiful caramelized pineapple topping and a light, fluffy cake that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple flavor.