Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes combine a unique smoky flavor from grilled pineapple with classic caramelized sweetness in a moist, tender cake. This delightful twist on a traditional dessert is perfect for summer cookouts and special occasions, offering a rich balance of textures and tropical flavors that appeal to all skill levels.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Fruit and Topping
- Fresh pineapple rings, ½ inch thick (ripe)
- Brown sugar, ½ cup (for grilling and caramel)
- Butter, ½ cup (for grilling and caramel topping)
Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- Sugar, ¾ cup
- Baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon
- Eggs, 2 large
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Oil or melted butter, â…“ cup
- Prepare the Pineapple: Slice fresh pineapple into ½ inch thick rings. Lightly brush both sides with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. Preheat grill to medium heat and grill pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks.
- Make the Caramel Topping: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and mixture thickens into a golden caramel. Pour caramel evenly into the bottom of a non-stick cake pan and arrange grilled pineapple rings on top.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, and oil or melted butter. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour cake batter evenly over pineapple and caramel in the pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Let cake cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping.
Notes
- Choose ripe pineapples for best sweetness and caramelization.
- Grilling pineapple is key for adding smoky depth.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-buttered pan to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Allow cake to cool slightly before flipping to preserve the caramel topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: grilled pineapple, upside down cake, caramelized cake, summer dessert, tropical cake, smoky pineapple dessert