Cherry-Pineapple Upside-Down Cake(Makes One 9-Inch Cake)
A vibrant upside-down cake featuring caramelized pineapple and cherries, perfectly sweet and tender, ideal for gatherings or special occasions with a fruity, buttery flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can sour pie cherries, drained ⓘ
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Beat together 1/4 cup of butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Blend in the beaten egg.
- Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
- Blend in vanilla.
- Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a 9-inch ovenproof skillet or cake pan.
- Stir in brown sugar and spread to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Cover with crushed pineapple and spread evenly.
- Spoon the drained cherries over the pineapple, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Pour the batter over the cherries and pineapple evenly.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Loosen edges and turn the cake upside down onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with reserved cherries and mint leaves if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using egg whites instead of a whole egg. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons and replacing it with cornstarch. Ensure that the crushed pineapple is well drained to prevent a soggy cake. This cake also works well with fresh fruit if cherries and pineapple are out of season.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry-pineapple upside-down cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or a refreshing fruit platter to balance the sweetness. This dish could be a hit at brunch, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and warm for 10-15 seconds, or until just heated through. This helps retain the cake's moistness without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry-Pineapple Upside-Down Cake(Makes One 9-Inch Cake) contains roughly 1054 calories, with 5g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used in place of canned sour pie cherries. Just ensure they are pitted and sliced. You may also need to adjust the sweetness slightly, as fresh cherries can be less sweet than canned varieties. This will give your cake a fresher taste and unique texture.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. For a lighter alternative, unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of half the butter, which will still keep your cake moist while reducing the fat content.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a wooden pick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake it, as this can lead to a dry texture. If unsure, check a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).