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How to Make Chef John's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a classic dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than Chef John's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. This timeless recipe has been a favorite for generations, and for good reason. With its perfect combination of sweet caramelized pineapple, moist cake, and a stunning presentation, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

What makes this recipe truly standout is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perf...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum (Optional)
  • ½ small fresh pineapple - peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup cold milk

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 (12-inch) cake

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in brown sugar, pineapple juice, and dark rum. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is bubbling, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and spread pineapple slices in a layer over the brown sugar mixture, completely covering the mixture. Set skillet aside.
  • Melt 1/2 cup butter in small skillet over low heat until the butter begins to brown and release a nutty fragrance, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully, butter burns easily. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Whisk together flour, cardamom, salt, baking powder, and white sugar in a large bowl. Whisk in egg and cold milk until just combined. Pour in melted butter and stir to mix thoroughly.
  • Pour batter over the pineapple slices in the skillet; spread evenly to cover.
  • Bake in preheated oven until the cake begins to bubble around the edges, the top is browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the skillet for 10 minutes.
  • Loosen the cake from the skillet by running a knife around the inside edge of the cake. Invert a large plate over the top of the skillet and flip over, releasing the cake to show the pineapple slices on top.

    • Nutrition

    263 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 47mg
    • Sodium: 274mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 23g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 78mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 72mg

    Categories

    Baking recipes
    Dessert recipes
    Cake recipes
    Pineapple recipes
    Fruit dessert recipes