Low-Fat Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A light, flavorful pineapple upside-down cake featuring caramelized pineapple and cherries, perfect for a guilt-free dessert that combines tropical sweetness with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray an 8 x 8 x 2-inch square pan with cooking spray.
- Drain crushed pineapple, reserving the juice. Sprinkle brown sugar onto the bottom of the pan.
- Top with an even layer of crushed pineapple.
- Slice cherries in half and arrange cut side up in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix applesauce, granulated sugar, reserved pineapple juice, and egg whites.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just to blend.
- Gently pour the batter onto the pineapple layer in the pan. Do not mix.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a serving dish and cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Ensure you drain the pineapple well to prevent a soggy cake. You can also substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries for a more natural taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pineapple upside-down cake with a dollop of low-fat whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for brunch or afternoon gatherings. For a twist, try serving it alongside the Vanilla Wafer Bundt Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. This cake is delightful served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Pineapple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 164 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% 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 prepare the batter in advance?
It's best to bake the cake immediately after preparing the batter for the best texture. However, you can prepare the pineapple layer and the dry ingredients in advance, then mix with the wet ingredients when ready to bake.
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).