Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

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If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a festive and flavorful dessert, the Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful cake brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries and the tropical sweetness of pineapple in a beautifully caramelized, golden-top presentation that is as stunning as it is delicious. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of moist, tender cake and fruity brightness that will make this recipe a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this cake are straightforward and accessible, yet each one plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and vibrant flavor profile. From the rich brown sugar glaze to the balance of sour cream and milk in the batter, every component is key to making this Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe shine.

• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Creates the luscious caramel base that pairs wonderfully with the fruit topping.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep sweetness and a beautiful caramelized crust under the fruit.
• Canned pineapple slices (8 slices): Provides juicy tropical flavor and a colorful, attractive design on top of the cake.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): Adds a tart contrast that brightens up the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for a tender and stable cake crumb.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise nicely for a light texture.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acidic sour cream for optimal rise and crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the cake’s flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Incorporated into the batter for richness and moistness.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the batter while creating a fine crumb.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, fragrant notes that enhance the cake’s flavor complexity.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle tang.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Balances the batter’s consistency for a smooth pour.

How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Greasing a 9-inch round cake pan ensures your cake releases easily after baking. This little detail guarantees your fruit topping stays perfectly intact on the cake’s surface when you flip it out.

Step 2: Create the Caramelized Base

Pour the melted butter directly into the bottom of your cake pan and evenly sprinkle the packed brown sugar on top. This mixture will melt and bubble during baking, transforming into that irresistible caramel layer that makes the Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe truly special.

Step 3: Arrange the Fruit Topping

Carefully arrange the pineapple slices in a neat single layer over the brown sugar. Next, scatter the cranberries in the gaps between the pineapple rings. This step is where the cake earns its gorgeous, colorful ‘upside-down’ crown and bursts of tangy flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Keeping these dry ingredients combined and aerated helps the cake rise evenly and develop a tender crumb.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage is essential for incorporating air that will give your cake a wonderful lightness despite the rich topping.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then, add the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that everyone loves.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Stir in the sour cream first, which adds moisture and tender texture, then alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until smooth. This careful folding ensures your cake batter is perfectly balanced—not too dense and not too runny.

Step 8: Spread Batter Over Fruit

Gently spread the batter over the arranged pineapple and cranberries in the cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly, ensuring all the fruit stays nestled in place during the rising process.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma, and you’ll know it’s time when the edges look set and the top is golden-brown.

Step 10: Cool and Flip the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. This step reveals your dazzling, caramelized fruit topping and transforms the cake into an elegant showstopper.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for any gathering or a cozy treat at home.

How to Serve Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of pretty and flavor, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice. Fresh mint leaves also complement the fruity notes and add a refreshing burst of color.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt to balance its sweetness. A cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the warm spices and rich caramel flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in mini individual pans for parties or layer slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit to create an elegant parfait-style dessert. You can also drizzle caramel or a citrus glaze over the top to intensify the flavors and add shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate it for up to five days to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake keeps well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and enhance the caramel aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works beautifully for this recipe. Just be sure to slice it into rings similar in size to canned ones and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the caramel layer.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. If using frozen, no need to thaw—just scatter them frozen over the pineapple. Fresh cranberries will have a slightly firmer bite but both add that perfect tart contrast.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be sure to use one formulated for baking to maintain texture and rise.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake will also pull slightly away from the edges of the pan and have a golden color on top.

Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Definitely! You can arrange the pineapple and cranberry topping in the pan a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bring to room temperature before pouring the batter on top and baking.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cranberry Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe is like wrapping a warm hug into a dessert. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough to serve at your next celebration. With its colorful presentation and balanced flavors, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Don’t wait—bake this delightful cake soon and share a slice of joy with your loved ones!

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