If you're looking for a delicious and indulgent treat, look no further than a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cake. With only 140 calories per bar, it's a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Made with a combination of sweet and juicy pineapples, cake batter, and a buttery, caramel-like topping, this cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. But before we dive into the recipe, let's take a closer look at the nutritional information of this classic dessert.
In this article, we'll share with you everything you need to know to make the most delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cake that your friends and family will love.
One bar of Pineapple Upside Down Cake typically contains around 140 calories, 4 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of sugar. It's also a source of vitamin C and calcium. However, the nutritional content may vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
Ingredients
To make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (20oz) of pineapple slices
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of milk
Preparation Method
To make the Pineapple Upside Down Cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a 9-inch cake pan, making sure to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the melted butter. Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the sugar, and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk.
- Spread the batter over the pineapples and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before flipping it onto a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Size
The serving size of Pineapple Upside Down Cake varies depending on how it is cut. However, a standard serving size is usually considered to be one slice or bar, which can be cut into small or large portions depending on personal preference.
Taste and Texture
Pineapple Upside Down Cake has a deliciously moist and tender crumb with a sticky and caramelized topping. The combination of sweet pineapples, buttery brown sugar, and fluffy cake batter creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that is hard to resist. The texture of the cake is soft and fluffy, with small bursts of juicy pineapple in every bite.
Storage Suggestions
Pineapple Upside Down Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep the cake fresh and moist, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Substitute Ingredients
If you want to make a healthier version of Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you can substitute some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple slices for a brighter and fresher flavor.
Occasions to Serve
Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert that can be served on various occasions. It's a great choice for family gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, and holidays. It can also be served as a sweet and indulgent treat after dinner or as a mid-day snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
History of Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The first known recipe for Pineapple Upside Down Cake appeared in the 1920s, during a time when canned pineapple was becoming more widely available. It quickly became a popular dessert during the Great Depression, as it was an affordable and easy way to use canned fruits and pantry staples to make a delicious treat. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different variations, such as adding maraschino cherries and using different types of sugar and flavorings.
Health Benefits
While Pineapple Upside Down Cake is not the healthiest dessert option, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Pineapples are a good source of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system, and bromelain, an enzyme that can aid digestion and reduce inflammation. The cake also contains calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
FAQs about Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1. How many calories are in a bar of Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
One bar of Pineapple Upside Down Cake contains 140 calories.
2. Is Pineapple Upside Down Cake gluten-free?
Most traditional recipes for Pineapple Upside Down Cake are not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour. However, there are many recipes available online for gluten-free versions of the dessert.
3. How do you store Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
After baking, let the cake cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
4. Can you make Pineapple Upside Down Cake ahead of time?
Yes, Pineapple Upside Down Cake can be made ahead of time. Bake the cake as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping and storing in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, let the cake come to room temperature and then invert it onto a serving plate.
5. What are some variations of Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
While the traditional version of Pineapple Upside Down Cake features pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, there are many variations of the dessert. Some recipes use different fruits such as peaches or apples, and others add ingredients like coconut or spices such as cinnamon.