Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A moist, flavorful pineapple upside-down cake with caramelized fruit, warm spices, and a tender crumb, perfect for gatherings or a special dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups butter or margarine, softened and divided ⓘ
- 1 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple slices, drained ⓘ
- 10 to 12 maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt 2/3 cup of butter.
- Stir in brown sugar and spread the mixture in the bottom of an ungreased heavy 12-inch skillet or a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer over the sugar mixture.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the pineapple and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining 2/3 cup of softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter evenly over the prepared pineapple and pecans in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or coconut extract to the batter. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. For a lighter cake, use unsweetened applesauce in place of half the butter. Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing, and try using fresh pineapple for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. This cake pairs beautifully with a refreshing Red Cloud Kooler or a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, top with toasted coconut or additional chopped nuts before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake contains roughly 551 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% 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, fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. Slice the pineapple into rings and ensure they are well-drained before arranging them in the pan. This will give your cake a fresher taste and a beautiful presentation.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract, are gluten-free.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not properly measuring the flour. Make sure to gently combine the ingredients and spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
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).