Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Sophie Bakas

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings, well-drained
• 10-12 maraschino cherries, halved (optional)
• 2 cup (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly.
2. Pour the 1/2 cup of melted butter into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter.
3. Arrange the drained pineapple rings over the brown sugar in a single layer. Place halved maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring and in any gaps, if using.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. In a large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
7. Carefully pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherry layer in the pan, spreading it gently to cover evenly.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This allows the caramel to set slightly but remain liquid enough to release.
10. Place a serving plate upside down over the cake pan. Carefully, and with oven mitts, flip the cake pan and plate together. Lift the pan slowly to release the cake and reveal the caramelized pineapple topping. Serve warm or at room temperature.