## A Delectable Holiday Treat – Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
#### Introduction
Feeling festive? Make room for an absolute delight at your holiday table – the Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake! With its delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavours, this showstopper dessert is bound to win hearts and stir some joy. Let’s get you started on preparing this festive treat!
#### Why Make This Recipe
A Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a classic favorite but adding a holiday twist is what makes it extra special. This recipe is perfect for those wanting to try something different from the traditional holiday desserts where pineapples provide a fresh tanginess that counters the sweetness. It’s moist, soft, colorful, and incredibly delicious – it’ll truly add a cherry on top of your festive celebrations!
#### How to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake
#### Ingredients:
_Topping:_
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 8-10 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
– 8-10 maraschino cherries
_Cake:_
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 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 pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup milk
#### Directions:
The process of making this holiday cake is as delightful as the cake itself!
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the topping by melting butter in a 9-inch round cake pan. Once melted, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter and arrange pineapple rings over the sugar, topping each ring with a cherry.
2. Now, let’s get the batter ready. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy. Beat the eggs into the creamed mixture one by one before adding the vanilla extract. Gradually include the dry ingredients, alternating with pineapple juice and milk.
3. Pour this sweet concoction over the pineapple rings in your pan and pop it in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
#### How to Serve Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake
Give this cake the grand unveiling it deserves! After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter. Slice after an additional 10-minute cooling period and serve as an endnote to your hearty holiday meal.
#### How to Store Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake
This cake is best stored at room temperature under a cake dome or a large enough bowl overturned on a plate. It stays fresh up to 2-3 days like this or up to a week if refrigerated.
#### Tips to Make Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake
Ensure the butter and sugar spread for the topping is evenly layered for uniform caramelization. When pouring batter over the pineapple rings, do it gently and spread evenly to maintain the arrangement at the bottom. Wait for the cake to cool down sufficiently before you flip it to prevent it from breaking.
#### Variations
You can add a dash of rum or bourbon for an extra holiday spirit or replace cherries with pecans or walnuts for a nuttier flavor.
#### FAQs
1. **Can I use pineapple chunks instead of rings?** Yes, pineapple chunks can be used instead of rings but bear in mind that it will alter the cake’s appearance.
2. **Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?** Absolutely! Just ensure you add a bit of Xanthan gum if your gluten-free flour mix doesn’t include it.
3. **Can this cake be made ahead of time?** Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature to serve the next day.
Let’s dive right into the culinary adventure and bring some holiday delight to your table with this Pineapple Upside-Down Holiday Cake!