# 🍍 **Upside-Down Pineapple Cake: A Classic Delight** 🎂
## **Introduction**
The **Upside-Down Pineapple Cake** is a timeless dessert that combines caramelized pineapple, cherries, and a moist, buttery cake. Flipped upside down after baking, it reveals a stunning golden topping that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This retro favorite dates back to the early 20th century and remains a beloved treat for its sweet, fruity flavor and eye-catching presentation.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a tropical-inspired dessert, this cake never disappoints!
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## **🍍 Ingredients**
### **Topping:**
– **1 cup packed brown sugar** (for caramelization)
– **⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted**
– **1 can (14 oz) pineapple slices, drained** (reserve juice)
– **Maraschino cherries** (for decoration, optional)
### **Cake Batter:**
– **1½ cups all-purpose flour**
– **1½ tsp baking powder**
– **½ tsp baking soda**
– **¼ tsp salt**
– **½ cup unsalted butter, softened**
– **¾ cup granulated sugar**
– **2 large eggs**
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**
– **½ cup pineapple juice** (reserved from can)
– **½ cup buttermilk** (or milk with ½ tsp vinegar)
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## **📜 History & Origin**
The **Upside-Down Cake** became popular in the 1920s after **Dole** promoted canned pineapple recipes. Early versions used cast-iron skillets to caramelize fruits like apples and cherries. Pineapple upside-down cake quickly became a **symbol of American home baking**, especially in the mid-20th century.
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## **✅ Benefits & Nutrition**
– **Pineapple** is rich in **vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain** (a digestion-friendly enzyme).
– **Moderate sugar** compared to frosted cakes (thanks to natural fruit sweetness).
– **Buttermilk** adds tenderness and a slight tang.
**Nutrition per slice (approx):**
– Calories: ~300
– Carbs: 45g
– Fat: 12g
– Protein: 3g
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## **👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Topping:**
– Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– In a **9-inch round cake pan**, mix **melted butter & brown sugar**, spreading evenly.
– Arrange **pineapple slices** over the mixture, placing a **cherry in the center** of each ring.
### **2. Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a bowl, whisk **flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt**.
– In another bowl, **cream butter & sugar** until fluffy.
– Add **eggs one at a time**, then **vanilla**.
– Alternate adding **dry ingredients, pineapple juice, and buttermilk**, mixing until smooth.
### **3. Bake & Flip:**
– Pour batter **over the pineapple layer**, smoothing the top.
– Bake for **35-40 mins** (until a toothpick comes out clean).
– **Cool for 10 mins**, then **invert onto a plate** (the caramelized topping will now be on top!).
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## **💖 Why People Love It**
✔ **Visually stunning** – The golden pineapple rings make it a showstopper.
✔ **Perfect balance** – Sweet, tangy, and buttery.
✔ **Nostalgic charm** – Reminds many of family gatherings and classic diners.
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## **🎉 Conclusion**
The **Upside-Down Pineapple Cake** is more than just a dessert—it’s a **celebration of retro baking at its finest**. Easy to make yet impressive, it’s perfect for **potlucks, birthdays, or just a cozy treat**.
**🍍 Bake it, flip it, and enjoy a slice of nostalgia!** 🎂
Would you like any **variations** (like using **coconut** or **rum glaze**)? 😊