Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with a Coconut Twist
Few desserts are as iconic and crowd-pleasing as the pineapple upside-down cake. Its tropical flavors and beautiful presentation make it a favorite at gatherings. But what if we could add a little extra island flair? Enter the coconut twist—a deliciously subtle addition that takes this classic treat to the next level.
This article explores how to make this delectable dessert, incorporating coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
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For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (the coconut twist!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these easy steps to create a pineapple upside-down cake with a tropical coconut twist that everyone will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it with butter. This will prevent your cake from sticking and ensure a smooth flip later on.
Step 2: Create the Caramelized Topping
In a small saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until it becomes a thick, smooth mixture. Pour this caramel-like syrup into your greased pan, making sure it evenly coats the bottom. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the sugar mixture, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring if you’d like.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will create a light, fluffy texture in the cake.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and tender cake. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients and coconut milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until everything is well combined. The coconut milk will enhance the flavor of the shredded coconut and give the cake a soft, moist crumb.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple rings in your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: The Grand Finale—Flipping the Cake!
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using a knife, gently loosen the edges of the cake. Place a large plate or platter over the pan and, with a swift motion, flip the cake upside down. The caramelized pineapple rings will now be on top, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
Your pineapple upside-down cake with a coconut twist is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of caramelized pineapple, sweet coconut, and moist cake is simply irresistible. For an extra tropical flair, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor, but canned pineapple works perfectly fine and is more convenient.
- If you're not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can skip them or replace them with other fruits, such as berries.
- Make sure the cake cools for at least 10 minutes before flipping to avoid any mishaps.
Adding coconut to this classic dessert gives it a delightful tropical makeover. The pineapple upside-down cake with a coconut twist is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a sweet treat. This recipe is sure to become a favorite among friends and family.
So next time you want to make a classic dessert with a tropical vibe, don’t forget to give this coconut-infused version a try. Happy baking!
Enjoy the Video Tutorial
Source: The Cooking Foodie
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