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Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: grilled pineapple, upside down cake, caramelized cake, summer dessert, tropical cake, smoky pineapple dessert