Pineapple Upside

### Instructions: How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You’ll also want to line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

#### Step 2: Make the Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the topping. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely, creating a smooth, caramel-like mixture. Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.

Now, arrange the pineapple slices on top of the caramel. You can use the slices whole or cut them into halves or quarters to fit the pan. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, or scatter them throughout for extra color and flavor.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice and milk. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with the milk, mixing just until the batter is smooth and combined. Be careful not to overmix.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter over the pineapple and caramel layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and cover the pineapples completely.

#### Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges should start pulling away from the sides of the pan.

#### Step 6: Cool and Flip
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the caramel topping to set and makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan without it falling apart. After it’s cooled slightly, run a butter knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.

Place a plate or cake stand over the top of the pan and carefully invert the pan. Gently lift the pan off, and you’ll have a beautifully golden, caramelized pineapple topping staring back at you.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the buttery cake, caramelized pineapple, and sweet cherries makes each bite an unforgettable experience.

### Why You’ll Love Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

– **Sweet and Tangy Flavor**: The combination of caramelized pineapple with the buttery, soft cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Every bite is a symphony of flavors that brings back comforting memories.
– **Impressive Presentation**: When flipped, the cake reveals a beautiful, glossy layer of caramelized pineapple with cherries that make it as visually stunning as it is delicious.
– **Simple and Versatile**: This cake requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. Plus, you can make it your own by adding extra fruit or switching up the toppings, such as pecans or coconut flakes.
– **Classic Comfort Food**: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake has been a favorite for generations. It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style and always makes a statement.

### Tips for Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

– **Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper**: Lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper ensures that the cake comes out of the pan easily, without sticking to the caramel.
– **Use Fresh Pineapple**: If you want to take your cake to the next level, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. It adds a bright, fresh flavor, though canned pineapple is still a great option for convenience.
– **Let it Cool Before Serving**: After inverting the cake, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the caramel set properly and prevents it from being too runny.
– **Make it Your Own**: Feel free to get creative with toppings or flavor additions. You can sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, over the pineapple for extra texture.

### Conclusion

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect combination of rich, buttery cake and sweet, tangy caramelized pineapple. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply because you want a comforting treat, this cake is sure to impress and delight everyone who tries it. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious, making it the ideal end to any meal.