The Best Barefoot Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Pineapple upside-down cake transforms ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary experiences with its golden caramelized surface and nostalgic charm.

Sweet memories drift through kitchens where this classic treat becomes more than just a simple cake.

Layers of rich, buttery batter create a canvas for vibrant fruit nestled in irresistible caramel glaze.

Warm and inviting, this dessert connects generations through its timeless appeal and comforting texture.

Delicate yet robust, the cake balances subtle sweetness with deep, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Baking this iconic dessert requires patience, precision, and a passion for creating something truly memorable.

Each slice promises a delightful journey through texture, taste, and tradition that will transport you to cherished moments: Prepare to fall in love with every delectable bite.

Concluding Words on Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Barefoot Contessa’s pineapple upside down cake weaves nostalgic Southern charm with tropical sweetness, creating a dessert that sings with caramelized memories.

Classic baking techniques merge with bold flavor combinations, promising a sensory journey through each golden slice.

Pineapple rings nestled in buttery caramel whisper stories of vintage kitchen traditions.

Warm spices like ginger and cloves elevate this classic treat beyond ordinary desserts.

Rustic elegance defines this culinary masterpiece that connects generations through shared culinary experiences.

When hunger calls and comfort beckons, this cake delivers pure deliciousness – so grab your fork, snap a photo, share the recipe with friends, and let sweet memories unfold.

What Makes Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake So Tasty

• Create a Stunning Dessert Centerpiece: This pineapple upside-down cake transforms a simple dessert into a showstopping treat that will impress guests with its beautiful arrangement of golden pineapple rings and bright red cherries.
• Embrace Tropical Flavor Explosion: The combination of caramelized pineapple, warm spices like ginger and cloves, and rich buttery cake creates a mouthwatering blend of sweet and complex flavors that transport you to a sunny paradise.
• Master an Easy Baking Technique: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe allows home bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking dessert that seems much more complicated than it actually is. The dramatic flip reveals a perfectly decorated cake that looks like it came from a bakery.
• Enjoy a Versatile Comfort Dessert: Perfect for weeknight treats, special occasions, or potluck gatherings, this cake serves up nostalgic memories with a delightful twist of gourmet sophistication that appeals to both kids and adults.

All the Essentials for Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural foundation for the cake with a soft, tender texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy crumb.
• Baking Soda: Assists with browning and helps neutralize the acidity in the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Add warm, subtle spice notes to complement the pineapple.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a rich, creamy base that provides sweetness and tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
• Pineapple Juice: Infuses tropical flavor and helps keep the cake moist.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Form a caramel-like glaze that coats the bottom of the cake.
• Pineapple Slices: Provide a classic tropical fruit topping with sweet and tangy flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Add a pop of color and sweet complement to the pineapple.

Steps to Make Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (9 x 9 x 3 inches) with butter or nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Pineapple Base

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan. Carefully arrange pineapple slices.

Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, with extra cherries scattered between the slices.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves

• Softened butter
• Sugar

• Heavy cream
• Pineapple juice

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour batter over the pineapple arrangement. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Flip the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a metal spatula around the edges to loosen. Place a serving plate over the pan and quickly flip both together. Carefully remove the pan.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Best enjoyed immediately while the caramel is still gooey and warm.

Pointers for an Incredible Contessa Pineapple Cake

• Capture Caramel Magic: Dark brown sugar transforms ordinary topping into a luxurious, depth-filled sensation that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Protect Cake Integrity: Generously grease pan surfaces and line with parchment paper, ensuring effortless cake release without frustrating moments.
• Master Moisture Control: Gently pat pineapple slices completely dry, preventing unwanted sogginess that could compromise your cake's delightful texture.
• Synchronize Ingredient Temperatures: Let butter, eggs, and cream reach room temperature, guaranteeing silky-smooth batter consistency and perfect mixing.
• Create Visual Perfection: Strategically position pineapple slices with precision, crafting a mouthwatering design that looks professionally prepared.

How to Store Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake

• Refrigerator Method: Store cake in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain maximum moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing inside the container to preserve freshness and prevent potential freezer burn.
• Freezer Method: Carefully wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then add an additional layer of aluminum foil for ultimate protection against freezer damage. Label each wrapped slice with the date and type of cake to track storage duration and ensure best quality. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing a delicious treat to be ready whenever dessert cravings hit.
• Counter Method: Keep the cake covered with a clean kitchen towel or cake dome at room temperature for optimal texture and taste. Consume within 2 days to enjoy the cake at its peak flavor and prevent potential staleness.

Flavor Variations on Contessa Pineapple Cake

• Coconut Caribbean Crunch: Replace pineapple with caramelized coconut flakes and add rum extract for a tropical island-inspired version. Sprinkle toasted coconut shavings on top after inverting the cake for extra texture.
• Rustic Peach Southern Style: Swap pineapple rings with fresh peach slices and add a hint of cinnamon to the batter. Use brown butter instead of regular butter to enhance the caramel-like flavor profile.
• Spiced Apple Autumn Remix: Substitute pineapple with thinly sliced apples and incorporate warm autumn spices like nutmeg and allspice. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake after baking for a rich, seasonal touch.
• Berry Almond Garden Fresh: Replace pineapple with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries. Fold chopped almonds into the batter and garnish with sliced almonds on top for a nutty, fruity variation.

Barefoot Contessa Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s pineapple upside down cake delivers a nostalgic Southern dessert with caramelized fruit and buttery cake. Warm golden layers reveal a classic comfort treat that melts in your mouth and brings sweet memories home.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 7 slices canned pineapple
• 2 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 13 candied cherries

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch (23 centimeters) round baking pan by lightly coating the sides with nonstick cooking spray or softened butter to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Create a luscious caramelized base by whisking melted butter and brown sugar together, then evenly spreading the mixture across the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Artfully arrange six pineapple slices around the pan’s perimeter, placing one slice in the center. Delicately position a maraschino cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring, strategically distributing the remaining cherries between the slices.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves, thoroughly blending the dry ingredients.
5. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with heavy cream and pineapple juice until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
7. Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pineapple and cherry layer, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake the cake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then run a metal spatula around the edges to loosen the cake from the sides.
10. Place a serving plate over the cake pan and swiftly invert the entire setup, allowing the cake to release onto the plate. Carefully remove the baking pan.
11. Serve the upside-down cake warm, optionally garnishing with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Pineapple rings transform this classic upside-down cake into a golden-brown masterpiece with vibrant caramelized edges.
• Authentic bakery-style flavors come alive through a simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills.
• Melted butter and brown sugar create a luscious caramel layer ensuring smooth cake release from the pan.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee a silky-smooth batter that bakes into an incredibly tender cake texture.
• Gentle mixing prevents tough cake syndrome, keeping the crumb light and delightfully soft.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg