Pineapple Down Cakes
Delight in these classic Pineapple Down Cakes featuring a caramelized brown sugar and butter base topped with juicy pineapple slices and cherries, all enveloped in a fluffy vanilla-spiked cake. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or a charming dessert at any gathering, these individual-sized cakes offer a delightful blend of sweet, tropical flavors with a moist buttery crumb.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 individual cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Toppings and Base
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 can sliced pineapples (drained)
- Maraschino cherries (one for each pineapple slice)
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Create Caramelized Base: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and stir in brown sugar over low heat until smooth and combined. Pour this mixture evenly into each muffin cup.
- Arrange Pineapple and Cherry: Place one drained pineapple slice into each muffin cup atop the brown sugar mixture, then add a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and egg together until light and fluffy. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, combining well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the cake batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry layers, filling each muffin cup almost to the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple slices are well drained to avoid soggy cakes.
- Use a sharp knife to loosen the edges before removing the cakes from the muffin tin for neat presentation.
- These cakes can be served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Pineapple Down Cakes, upside-down cakes, individual cakes, pineapple dessert, classic dessert, easy baking recipe