How Is This Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake Different From The Traditional One
This cake is a timeless classic, but making it out of 100% plant-based ingredients, involves replacing milk and butter with vegan alternatives, and omitting eggs altogether. This results in a cake that’s sweet, tender and perfectly moist, and tastes virtually identical to its traditional counterpart.
What’s more, this vegan alternative to pineapple upside down cake is also slightly healthier, with one slice containing approximately 30% less calories and 25% less fat.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Topping
The topping for this cake is a mixture of melted vegan butter and light brown sugar. Combine the two ingredients together and this becomes your caramel base!
Then, we decorate with the pineapple! Ive used canned pineapple slices for this recipe . Now, its helpful to pat the pineapple slices very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Otherwise the consistency of the caramel is more wet.
Can You Make A Pineapple Upside Down Cake With Fresh Pineapple
Canned pineapple is very convenient and makes it easy to have sweet pineapple goodness any time of year. For recipes like this, I sometimes prefer to use canned pineapple for uniformity and predictability more than anything else. It is also easy to get the classic pineapple rings, and I use the juice from the can for the recipe as well.
Dont let all of this stop you from using fresh pineapple if that is what you have on hand, just make sure it is very ripe. Honestly, the closer to being overripe, the better!
Because of the enzymes in pineapple, it is best to cook it if you are using fresh. Simmer your fresh pineapple for a few minutes and allow it to cool, then proceed with the recipe.
Recommended Reading: Pie In A Jar Delivery
Tips For Turning Out An Upside Down Cake
Turning out the upside-down cake has to be done with care. Don’t try to rush it.
If you get this wrong, you could end up with cake all over the floor.
Gluten Free Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- ¼Cbutter substitutesuch as Smart Balance
- 20ozpineapple ringscanned
For the Cake
- 1Box GF King Arthur Flour yellow cake mix
- ½Cbutter substitutesoftened
- ¾Cmashed bananaabout 3 small bananas
- Cpineapple juicefrom the can
- Preheat oven 350F
For the Topping
- In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in brown sugar. Spoon mixture into 2 round 8″ or 9″ cake pans.
- Lay out pineapple rings on top of sauce .
For the Cake
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, banana, pineapple juice and canola oil. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour mixture into pan over the pineapple rings and sugar mixture.
- Bake 40-45 minutes on center rack, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool 10 minutes in pan. Run a knife around outer edges, then invert onto serving dishes or cake plates. If the cakes do not want to come out, allow to cool another 10 minutes and using a spoon tap on the bottom of the pan until it comes out easily.
Also Check: New Pie At Mcdonald’s
Is Pineapple Good For You
Pineapple is originally a South American fruit, that is now grown all over India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, and Kenya.
Manganese, zinc, and vitamins B 6 and C are all in pineapple juice. These nutrients are essential for tissue repair, bone health, energy production, muscle growth, and the immune system. Zinc, phosphorus, calcium, choline, iron, and vitamin K are all present in minor or trace quantities, and several B vitamins are also present.
It is loaded with antioxidants and boosts immunity within the body. It also promotes cell growth and development. Also, anti-oxidants help in reducing inflammation and fighting chronic diseases.
Pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain. This enzyme aids in digestion and helps in breaking down protein more efficiently. It also assists with pancreatic insufficiency, which is a situation in which the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes.
Because it reduces inflammation, pineapple helps in relieving joint pain caused by arthritis.
Pineapple juice has been shown to possibly have anti-cancer properties. Thanks to the high amount of bromelain in pineapples, which can help destroy toxins and cancer cells. The same enzyme can delay or stop cancerous cell development in the body.
Cake Texture: What To Expect
Upside down cakes almost always have a consistency that’s more dense compared to regular white cakes. Just as a comparison: I used this same cake batter to make my vegan trifle which resulted in a much lighter cake than this fruity upside down version. Why?
Simply the fact of reversing the cake, which mean the heavy fruits come on top, will add pressure on the cake and make it denser. It is not quite a pound cake, but close to it, I would say. Especially if you press on the cake if a dome forms, then you will create a cake that’s slightly denser as well.
It is SO good though, nothing bad about being a dense cake, I just wanted to share that info in case you have never had an upside down cake before!
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Pie Irons
Best Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I’m such a fan of pineapple upside down cake! My original pineapple upside down cake recipe is one of my favorite treats to make. It’s such a retro classic and reminds me of my childhood so much. This vegan version is just as amazing! It’s so moist and delicious — you’ll absolutely love it!
This vegan pineapple upside down cake has everything you want in an upside-down cake — it’s a moist vanilla cake with hint of pineapple flavor topped with a buttery caramelized pineapple-brown sugar topping and the unforgettable flavor of maraschino cherries. A classic flavor combination that is incredibly delicious!
Why This Recipe Is A Winner
- The topping combines melted vegan butter and brown sugar to infuse every slice with a caramel-like goodness
- Sliced pineapples are patted dry to remove as much liquid as possible to create the perfect cake that doesnt overflow the pan.
- Adding a piece of buttered parchment paper to the bottom of the pie pan makes the topping stick less and helps the finished cake look prettier.
Recommended Reading: Berdoll Pecan Pie Vending Machine
Why Is Pineapple Upside Down Cake Upside Down
Before the late 19th century, upside down cakes were simply known as skillet cakes. This is because cooking over open fires, and later on top of the stove, isn’t exactly the most reliable method for baking the perfect cake.
But cooking it upside down, so that the delicate cake is at the top and the perfectly caramelised sauce is at the bottom, closer to the source of the heat, is the perfect way for baking a soft, spongy cake with the topping already baked into it. Once it cools down a bit, you simply flip it over, revealing the gorgeously caramelised fruit.
How To Make Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake:
Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions!
- Begin by beating together the flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl for 1 minute. Place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly brush a 9 inch circular pie baking pan or dish with the melted vegan butter.
- Next, you are going to sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the prepared pan and lay the pineapple slices on top. There should be six in the outer circle and one in the middle. You can also cut the remaining slices in half and add them to the sides of the pie pan. Add the maraschino cherries in the holes of the pineapples .
- Then, in a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, canola oil, vanilla extract, salt, plant-based milk, and flaxseed meal mixture, and whisk it together until its well-combined.
- Pour the batter over the prepared pie pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake for 30 minutes. At the 30 minute mark, remove from the oven and loosely cover with tin foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, and allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
- Gently flip the cake over and slide it out from the pan. .
Read Also: Where To Get Chicken Pot Pie
How To Store Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This cake stores best in the refrigerator covered with foil. In order to keep the foil from sticking to the sugary pineapples, spray the foil with non-stick spray before lightly laying on top of the cake. Alternatively, you can stick a few toothpicks around the edges of the cake to hold the foil up.
Equipment For Making Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- CAKE TIN SIZE – my cake tin is 17 cm . Don’t worry if yours is a bit bigger. The cake might be a bit shallower and bake a little quicker, depending on the size of it, so just keep an eye on it
Also Check: I Am The Bread Of Life Verse
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Despite being completely dairy- and egg-free, this incredible vegan cake isnt dry or crumbly at all. Thanks to your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter, every bite is tender and moist, just like youd hope it would be.
- Honestly it only uses a few ingredients, but they deliver SO MUCH flavor! Tangy pineapples , sweet maraschino cherries, and rich brown sugar create a perfectly-balanced tropical dessert.
- This recipes so easy, you dont even need a mixer! All youll need is a trusty mixing bowl and silicone spatula or whisk. Feel free to drag your hand mixer out of the cabinet if you prefer it, though.
To Make This Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake Using The Betty Crocker Yellow Cake Mix Simply
The great thing about this cake recipe is that it only requires a 7 ingredients and comes together super quick! Rachel created this recipe and it has quickly come into regular rotation at my house. So let’s get started…
- First, make the super yummy sauce that will become your topping by melting the butter and adding the brown sugar. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your pan.
- Next, lay out the pineapple rings on top of the sauce.
- Now, to make the cake, put the cake mix, butter, vanilla extract, mashed bananas and pineapple juice in a bowl. Using a hand mixer mix on low speed for 20 seconds, then high speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour the cake mixture into the pan right on top of the pineapple rings.
- Bake on the center rack in a 350°F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the outside to loosen. Then invert cake onto a serving dish or cake stand. If the cake doesn’t want to come out, allow it to cool another 10 minutes and tap the bottom to encourage it to release.
Don’t Miss: Calories In Wheat Bread Slice
What Pineapple Is Best For Upside Down Cake
Although its tempting to use fresh pineapple, canned is actually your best option. Because canned pineapples are smaller, it allows you to add more to the topping, making for a more dramatic look. In addition, its easier. A 20-once can of sliced pineapples yields 10 slices which is exactly what youll need for this recipe.
Prepare The Baking Dish
I highly recommend to use a non-stick round cake pan of 9 inches to make it. Also, make sure to grease the dish using coconut oil: this will ease the flipping step later on.
Once oiled, then roughly sprinkle the coconut sugar all over the dish all the way to the edges.
Then, remove the excess of pineapple juice on the fruit by placing the rings on paper towels. You don’t need to completely dry them out: keep them moist while removing any extra dripping juice so the cake isn’t too moist.
Display the pineapple rings over the coconut sugar. You should be able to use 7 of them by gently squeezing them so they all fit in one layer. Once done, distribute the cherries to fill the empty spaces. Set the dish aside and pre-heat the oven to 350º.
Recommended Reading: Mrs Smith Sweet Potato Pie
My List Of Cake Making Essentials
- I’m a total sucker for a baking pan with a lid. This 9×9 set of two from Wilton is perfect!
- Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer. I’ve used this one for years, and I love it!
- Parchment paper – I like these pre-cut cookie baking sheets because you can cut them in half for a perfect square cake pan liner, or just trace your circle and get 2 out of one sheet!
- All Clad Measuring Cups – I know these are in investment, but they’re sturdy, beautiful and you’ll never have to buy another set again. I use them constantly!
How Do You Stop A Pineapple Upside Down Cake From Being Soggy
A pineapple upside-down cake is never as light as a plain sponge cake, but it should be fluffy and moist.
However, it should never be wet or soggy.
The secret is to dry the pineapple slices off with kitchen paper before adding the pineapple, so you aren’t introducing more liquid to the cake.
You should also do the toothpick or skewer test to make sure it’s baked through.
Insert it into the centre of the cake and it should come out clean without wet batter on it.
If it has some crumbs on it, that’s ok, but no wet batter.
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Rhubarb Pie
How To Make A Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The recipe contains ingredients which are available in most supermarkets. Mixing the cake batter together is very simple, the tricky part is flipping the cake. But dont worry, its not difficult or complicated.
- First, spray an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan with non-stick spray.
- Pour the coconut oil into the bottom of the cake pan and spread it evenly .
- Sprinkle the coconut sugar over the oil/butter to cover the entire bottom of the cake pan.
- Open a pineapple can and reserve the liquid. Arrange the pineapple slices over the sugar and place a Maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice and also in all gaps.
- Set aside and preheat the oven to 356°F
- Measure/weigh the dry ingredients and add them to a big bowl. Stir with a whisk.
- Blend the remaining pineapple slices in a blender or food processor to get pureed pineapple.
- Add all wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a whisk or spatula.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake in the oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How Long Do You Wait To Flip A Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes after it came out of the oven. I wouldnt recommend inverting the cake immediately and I had the best results by waiting for at least 10 minutes.
This Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake Is:
- A vegan twist on a classic dessert.
- Plant-based and vegan.
- So easy that you don’t even need a mixer!
One of the things we love the most about this pineapple cake is that it looks and tastes like a fancy and elaborated creation, when in fact its pretty simple to put together. You dont even need a mixer to prepare it. A whisk, a spoon, bowl, and a springform cake shape , is all you need.
The ingredients are also simple and accessible. Youll need flaxseed meal, warm water, vegan butter, brown sugar, a can of pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, canola oil, vanilla extract, salt, and plant-based milk. If you’re looking for another simple and easy pineapple treat, try out this Pineapple Pie!
Also Check: Cootie Browns Key Lime Pie
How Long Do You Cool An Upside Down Cake Before Inverting
A common question I get is when should I flip my pineapple upside down cake? Well, I’ve found that giving it 15-30 minutes in the pan to set a bit before you invert it onto a serving dish is your best bet. Letting it sit for that time allows the caramelized topping to set and prevents a mess once you flip.