Pineapple cake recipe

Dear and beloved! Today at Paulina Cocina we are going to cook a cake that is literally turned upside down: flipped pineapple cake. Is about an inverted cake, which is very popular in Venezuela, but it has fans in many parts of the world. “I am right side up, you are turned upside down,” Luca Prodan sang, but this cake likes to be turned upside down, because all eyes are on it!

For those who don’t know her, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this delicacy, what its history is, when it is usually eaten, how to make it with basic ingredients and the best secrets to prepare it without dying trying. At the end of the note you will find a pineapple cake recipe to surprise your daughter-in-law and your mother-in-law together.

About the pineapple cake

The pineapple cakealso known as pineapple flipped cake, or pineapple cake It is a traditional dessert in Venezuelawhich stands out for being an “upside down cake” or “turned upside down” since Its preparation involves placing pineapple slices on the bottom of a caramel mold, covering them with a cake batter mixture..

The caramelization of the pineapple during baking adds a touch of sweetness and a juicy texture to every bite. It can also be decorated with cherries, for a more colorful and tasty detail. This cake is appreciated for its balanced combination of flavors and unique presentation, making it a popular baking classic.

Features of pineapple cake

1. First of all, stands out for its visually attractive presentationsince during the cooking process the pineapple slices and the caramel are placed at the bottom of the mold and, when turned over, they reveal a golden and shiny layer on the top of the cake, which is crowned with the red of the cherries at the time of serving.

2. Another distinctive feature is the caramel that forms around and between the pineapple slices during cooking, adding an intense sweetness and crunchy texture to the whole. Additionally, the recipe often includes pineapple juice in the batter mixture, providing additional fruity flavor and ensuring the cake retains a delicious moistness.

3. Finally, the upside down pineapple cake is recognized for being simple in ingredients and preparationsince it requires basic elements such as flour, sugar, eggs, and pineapple. These combined characteristics make this cake a popular and accessible option that balances the ease of its preparation with an impressive visual and gustatory result.

How to make an easy and economical pineapple cake?

The upside-down pineapple cake is, in itself, an easy and economical recipe, since it only needs simple elements such as flour, sugar, eggs, oil and sliced ​​pineapple, which can easily be made from a can to make it simply.

The eggs are mixed with the sugar with an aromatic touch, such as vanilla or cinnamon essence, then the oil and a little pineapple juice are added to provide more moisture. The flour is placed in batches, to avoid lumps, and finally the cake mold is caramelized, and the pineapple slices are placed on the caramel. All that remains is to bake it for the necessary time and let it cool so that when you turn it over, the magic happens: A delicious pineapple cake without complications or excessive expenses.

Pineapple cake: with butter or oil?

The choice between oil and butter when preparing a pineapple cake affects the final result of the cake, as well as its flavor and texture. Butter tends to provide a richer flavor and denser texture, while oil provides exceptional moisture and a lighter texture..

When using oil, pineapple cake tends to be moister due to the moisture retention that the oil offers. Additionally, the oil does not solidify at low temperatures, so the cake will retain its softness even when refrigerated.

On the other hand, the Butter provides a characteristic flavor and can provide a firmer texture. However, butter can also harden when it cools, which can affect the softness of the cake after a while. The choice will depend on personal preferences and the desired result.

Origin of the Venezuelan pineapple cake recipe

Pineapple flipped cake, also known as “pineapple flipped cake,” It is a dessert that has its roots in international gastronomy, but its popularity has grown in different cultures. In Venezuela, this recipe has been adopted and adapted to local flavors.

Pineapple Flip Cake is inspired by the classic flip cake recipe, which dates back to the early 20th century in America. This delicious variant joined other versions of flipped or inverted cakes, such as the classic French inverted apple cake, also known as tarte tatin.

The tradition of pineapple cake

The pineapple cake tradition is a celebration of sweet flavors and irresistible textures that has endured through generations. This delicious preparation has taken root in various cultures, becoming a classic element of celebrations and special events.

In Venezuela, the upside-down pineapple cake has been incorporated especially for the December holidays, since being a fresh, fruity and colorful option, it is ideal for decorating the Christmas table. Pineapple cake, with its unique combination of flavors, becomes a symbol of joy and togetherness.

The best occasions for pineapple cake

The Venezuelan recipe for homemade pineapple cake is a delicious option that adapts perfectly to various special occasions. Its sweet flavor and striking presentation make it a versatile and appreciated dessert.

Some of the best occasions to enjoy homemade pineapple cake include birthday celebrations, family gatherings, holiday events like Christmas or Thanksgivingand any occasion that requires a sweet and festive touch.

Plus, it’s a lovely choice to share at picnics, barbecues, or simply as a comforting anytime dessert. Its combination of tropical flavors and visually appealing presentation make it a popular choice to surprise friends and loved ones.

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8 Secrets to make pineapple cake a success

1. Pineapple choice: Opt for fresh, ripe pineapples for the best flavor. Look for those that have a sweet aroma and that give slightly to the touch. A ripe pineapple will add natural sweetness to the cake. You can also use canned pineapples, as long as they are of good quality.
2. uniform cut: When cutting the pineapple to place it in the bottom of the mold, make sure to make uniform slices. This not only improves the presentation, but also ensures even cooking of the caramelized pineapples.
3. perfect candy: The key to the caramel that coats the pineapple is to achieve a golden and crunchy consistency. It is essential to control the cooking time of the sugar to prevent it from burning. If you add butter, the result is a softer and more delicious caramel.
4. The importance of the mold: Use a removable cake mold or a silicone one to facilitate the turning process.
5. Chilled before turning: Let the cake rest in the pan for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This will prevent it from falling apart when you turn it over.
6. Cautious turn: When turning the cake, do so carefully to avoid burns from the hot caramel. The dish you pour it into should be large enough to contain any candy that may fall.
7. Additional decoration: You can decorate the cake with cherries or additional pineapple slices. This not only adds a visual touch, but also enhances the flavor.
8. Proper storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can be refrigerated if necessary, but making sure it is at room temperature when serving to appreciate its texture and flavor.

Upside Down Pineapple Cake Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• Pineapple slices in syrup (about a can of 8-10 slices)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder or baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter at room temperature
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of milk
• Optional: syrupy cherries to decorate

How to make homemade pineapple cake step by step

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a round cake pan, melt the ½ cup of butter and sprinkle the cup of sugar evenly over it. Place the pineapple slices on top of the sugar, making sure to cover the base completely.
2. Place the mold over medium heat and cook until the sugar melts and a golden caramel forms. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing the dough.
3. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until you get a creamy mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and a few tablespoons of the pineapple syrup.
4. Add the previously sifted dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until you obtain a dough with a creamy consistency and no lumps.
5. Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple slices in the prepared pan, distributing it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest in the mold for a few minutes. Then carefully turn the cake onto a larger plate. Let the mold sit on the cake for a few minutes before lifting it out. Wait for it to cool and decorate with the syrupy cherries.