Description
Scrumptious cranberry pineapple upside-down cake delights palates with its sweet-tart harmony of flavors. Festive dessert brings warmth to holiday gatherings, offering you a delectable slice of culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 pineapple rings (drained if using canned)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 6 maraschino cherries (optional)
- ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Lavishly coat a 9-inch round pan with butter, positioning the oven rack to middle and heating to 350F (175C).
- Caramel Foundation: Generously drizzle melted butter across the pan’s bottom, sprinkle brown sugar, then artfully arrange pineapple rings with maraschino cherries nestled in their centers and cranberries scattered between for vibrant color contrast.
- Batter Creation: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then integrate eggs individually, blending in vanilla extract, sour cream, and pineapple juice. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture alternately, maintaining a delicate texture without overmixing.
- Baking Process: Pour batter evenly over fruit layer, then transfer to preheated oven. Bake 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted emerges clean, allowing the cake to develop a golden, perfectly risen profile.
- Finishing Touches: Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes, then confidently invert onto a serving plate, revealing the stunning caramelized fruit topping. Cool slightly to let flavors harmonize, then slice and serve with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking Carefully: Generously butter the pan and consider using parchment paper for easier cake removal and perfect presentation.
- Master Fruit Placement: Arrange pineapple rings and cranberries with precision, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and visual appeal in every slice.
- Control Batter Mixing: Fold ingredients gently and minimally to maintain the cake’s tender crumb, stopping just when ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough texture.
- Temperature Matters: Let ingredients like eggs and butter reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother blending and more consistent cake structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg