Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic dessert that features a layer of caramelized pineapple slices and maraschino cherries arranged at the bottom of a cake pan, with a buttery, vanilla-flavored cake batter poured over the top. When baked, the sugars in the pineapple and cherries caramelize, creating a deliciously sweet and slightly tangy topping. After baking, the cake is inverted (upside-down) onto a serving plate, revealing the beautifully arranged fruit on top.

Here’s a basic recipe for Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

Ingredients:

Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained
• 8-10 maraschino cherries

Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Topping:
   • Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a 9-inch round cake pan over low heat.
   • Once melted, remove from heat and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
   • Arrange pineapple slices on top of the sugar mixture. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple slice and in any empty spaces.
3. Prepare Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the batter evenly over the arranged pineapple slices in the cake pan.
   • Spread the batter gently to ensure it covers the fruit completely.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Cool and Invert:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
   • Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.
   • Place a serving plate upside down on top of the cake pan and carefully invert the cake onto the plate.
   • Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!