Dole Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A Classic Recipe Elevated

Pineapple upside-down cake is a timeless dessert, a delightful combination of sweet caramelized pineapple, moist cake, and a hint of tangy flavor. This recipe, featuring Dole pineapple, takes this classic to new heights. Dole pineapple, known for its exceptional sweetness and quality, ensures a truly unforgettable cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this detailed guide will walk you through each step, guaranteeing a perfect Dole pineapple upside-down cake every time.

Why Dole Pineapple?

Dole is synonymous with quality when it comes to pineapples. Their pineapples are consistently sweet, juicy, and perfectly ripe. Using Dole pineapple in your upside-down cake guarantees a superior flavor and texture compared to using lower-quality canned pineapple. The natural sweetness of Dole pineapple caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich and decadent topping that complements the cake perfectly.

Ingredients: The Key to Success

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for a successful cake.

For the Caramel Topping:

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 (20-ounce) can Dole pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
* Maraschino cherries, for decoration (optional)

For the Cake Batter:

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ cup reserved pineapple juice (from the can)

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch round cake pan
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Oven
* Parchment paper (optional)
* Wire rack

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Perfection

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create a flawless Dole pineapple upside-down cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Topping

1. **Melt the butter:** In a 9-inch round cake pan (the one you’ll bake the cake in), melt the butter over medium heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to burn the butter. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.
2. **Add brown sugar:** Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the brown sugar until completely combined and smooth. This mixture will create the caramelized base of your cake. Ensure there are no lumps of brown sugar remaining.
3. **Arrange pineapple slices:** Arrange the Dole pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture. You can overlap them slightly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. If you are using maraschino cherries, place them in the center of each pineapple ring or scattered artfully around the pan. The placement of the pineapple is important, as this is what will be visible when the cake is flipped.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking and a properly risen cake.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the cake’s texture and rise.
3. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to a tender cake. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Add eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Eggs add richness and structure to the cake. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. **Add vanilla extract:** Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cake.
6. **Alternate dry and wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reserved pineapple juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense texture. Add about one-third of the dry ingredients, mix, then half of the pineapple juice, mix, then another third of the dry ingredients, mix, then the remaining pineapple juice, mix, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake

1. **Pour batter:** Gently pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices in the cake pan. Spread the batter evenly to cover the pineapple completely. Use a rubber spatula to ensure the batter reaches all edges of the pan.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
3. **Cool slightly:** Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the caramel to set slightly, making it easier to invert the cake without it sticking to the pan. Letting it cool for too long, however, can cause the caramel to harden and make inverting difficult.

Step 4: Invert and Serve

1. **Invert the cake:** Place a serving plate over the top of the cake pan. Carefully invert the cake onto the serving plate. Hold the plate firmly against the pan and flip quickly. If any pineapple slices stick to the pan, gently remove them and place them back on the cake.
2. **Serve:** Serve the Dole pineapple upside-down cake warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness using a wooden skewer.
* **Use room temperature ingredients:** Using room temperature butter and eggs will help create a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
* **Grease the pan (optional):** Although the caramel layer usually prevents sticking, you can grease the pan with cooking spray before adding the butter and brown sugar for extra insurance. Alternatively, use parchment paper to line the bottom of the cake pan.
* **Substitute with crushed pineapple:** If you prefer, you can substitute the pineapple slices with crushed pineapple. Spread the crushed pineapple evenly over the brown sugar mixture.
* **Add spices:** For a warmer flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
* **Variations:** Try adding other fruits, such as peaches or pears, to the caramel topping.

Troubleshooting

* **Cake sticks to the pan:** If the cake sticks to the pan when inverting, try running a thin knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it. You can also try placing the pan back on the stovetop over low heat for a minute or two to help melt the caramel.
* **Cake is too dry:** Make sure you are not overbaking the cake. Also, ensure that your oven temperature is accurate. You can also add a tablespoon or two of extra pineapple juice to the batter.
* **Cake is too dense:** Avoid overmixing the batter. Also, ensure that your baking powder is fresh.
* **Caramel is too hard:** Make sure you are using the correct amount of brown sugar and butter. Also, ensure that the caramel is not overcooked.

Serving Suggestions

* **Whipped Cream:** A classic pairing! The light and airy whipped cream complements the richness of the cake.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** The cold ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
* **Caramel Sauce:** For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce.
* **Fresh Berries:** Add a touch of freshness with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pineapple upside-down cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storing Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** The Dole pineapple upside-down cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
* Cholesterol: 75-100 mg
* Sodium: 200-300 mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
* Sugar: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 3-5 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Conclusion

This Dole pineapple upside-down cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet caramelized Dole pineapple, moist cake, and optional maraschino cherries creates a dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. With its detailed instructions and helpful tips, this recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create a perfect cake every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this classic dessert elevated by the quality of Dole pineapple. Enjoy!