Grandma'S Upside-Down Cake
Grandma's Upside-Down Cake features caramelized pineapple and a moist vanilla cake, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can Dole sliced pineapple in syrup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving 2 tablespoons of syrup.
- Melt butter in a heavy 10-inch skillet.
- Stir in brown sugar and the 2 tablespoons pineapple syrup.
- Blend thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and arrange pineapple slices in the sugar mixture.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and shortening; beat at high speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
- Add egg, lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla; beat for another 2 minutes.
- Pour batter over pineapple in the skillet, spreading evenly.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Invert the skillet onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening in the batter. If you don't have maraschino cherries, fresh cherries or berries can provide a delightful twist. To enhance the lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Ensure that the skillet is well-greased to prevent sticking when inverting the cake. This recipe is part of classic American recipes, showcasing timeless flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It makes a lovely dessert after a hearty meal or pairs beautifully with A.H.N. Silver Coffee Spinach Sandwich for a delightful brunch. Adding fresh fruit on the side can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 352 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 547mg per serving (24% 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just slice it into rings and cook them in the butter and brown sugar mixture until they caramelize slightly before adding the batter. This will give your cake a fresher taste and texture.
What can I substitute for the butter?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or use additional shortening if you prefer a lighter texture. Be aware that this may change the flavor slightly, but will still yield a delicious cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
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).