pineapple Archives - Posh in Progress

If you're looking for a classic dessert that's both easy to make and sure to impress, look no further than homemade pineapple upside down cake. This timeless treat has been a favorite of home cooks for decades, thanks to its sweet, tangy flavor and iconic presentation. Best of all, it's surprisingly simple to bake, even for novice bakers. With just a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a beautiful and delicious dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake a upside down pineapple cake that will wow your taste buds! History of Pineapple Upsidedown Cake Pineapple upside-down cakes from scratch are a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1900s in the United States when the Dole Pineapple Company created a recipe to promote the use of canned pineapple. They combined sliced pineapple, maraschino cherries, and a brown sugar and butter mixture that was placed at the bottom of a cake pan. Then, they poured a simple cake batter over the top and baked it in the oven. The cake became an instant hit and was featured in cookbooks and household magazines. By the 1950s, upside-down pineapple cake had become a popular dessert for home cooks and was a staple at potluck dinners and family gatherings. Over time, variations of the recipe emerged, with some people adding different fruits or flavors to the cake batter or using different types of sweeteners for the topping. Today, the classic pineapple upside-down cake is still enjoyed by many people. Its sweet and tangy flavor, combined with its iconic presentation, make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. So, next time you want to impress your guests, try making a pineapple upside-down cake and enjoy a taste of history! How to Make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in a Cast Iron Skillet Ingredients: Cake Batter: 2 1/4 cups cake flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup coconut oil (can use 1/4 cup shortening and 1/2 cup butter) 3/4 cup milk (I used almond) 3 large eggs 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Topping: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 20 oz can pineapple rings maraschino cherries Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and center rack in the oven. I used only one 10-inch skillet to make mine. Prepare the topping first by placing 1/2 cup butter in the cast iron skillet. Place skillet in the oven until the butter has melted. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle 3/4 cup of light brown sugar over the butter. Drain pineapple rings, reserving the juice to store any leftovers. Gently place pineapple rings onto the brown sugar in the skillet. Place a cherry in the middle of each of the pineapple rings. I chose to cut the rings in half and do a circle pattern. You can follow my pattern or keep them all rounds. Prepare the cake batter by combining all batter ingredients in a mixer bowl. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds or so to incorporate, then increase speed to medium and mix for 2-3 minutes. Carefully, pour the batter over the pineapples. You want to try to coat the pineapple rings without having to move the batter around too much so the fruit stays in place. Bake for 30 minutes. The sides should be bubbly and the top will be browned. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Place a flat cake plate over the skillet, then using oven mitts, invert the pan onto the plate. If You Only Have a Regular Cake Pan The instructions are basically the same using standard 9″ round cake pans or a 13″ x 9″ baking pan. For a 13″ x 9″ baking pan, form pineapple flowers all over the cake, you should be able to fit about 8 or more flowers. Bake the 13″ x 9″ pan for 35-40 minutes. You may need to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan before inverting. For round cake pans, follow the baking times for the skillet above. Cooking Tips If you don't have cake flour, you can use all purpose flour. You will use 2 cups of all-purpose flour plus four tablespoons of corn starch. If you don't want to use a cast iron skillet, you can use 2 9-inch cake pans, or one 13x9 inch baking dish. I hope you'll give this recipe a try. Baking a pineapple upside-down cake is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this classic dessert is definitely going to be a hit. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and iconic presentation, it's no wonder that pineapple upside-down cake has been a favorite for generations. It's actually a really easy recipe, so give it a try! Just remember, take your time and follow the recipe closely, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying a delicious and beautiful cake that's perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for other cake recipes, click here.