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Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
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Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cakes combine the caramelized sweetness of fresh pineapple with a smoky char from the grill, creating a tropical, vibrant dessert perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe elevates the classic upside down cake with bold flavors, ease of preparation, and visually stunning caramelized pineapple topping.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pineapple

  • Fresh pineapple, sliced into even rings or wedges
  • Brown sugar, for sprinkling and caramelization

For the Caramel Topping

  • Unsalted butter, melted
  • Brown sugar

For the Cake Batter

  • Flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • Baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Granulated sugar (or maple syrup/honey for low-sugar version)
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk or buttermilk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
  • Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grilled Pineapple: Slice fresh pineapple into even rings or wedges, then sprinkle with brown sugar for caramelization. Heat your grill to medium-high and grill the pineapple slices for about 3-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and sizzling with a golden crust.
  2. Make the Caramel Topping: In a skillet, melt unsalted butter and combine it with brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of your cake pan. Once your pineapple slices have cooled slightly, arrange them on top of the caramel in a pretty, overlapping pattern.
  3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add milk (or buttermilk), then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter gently over the arranged pineapple and caramel in the cake pan, spreading it evenly without disturbing the fruit placement. The batter should completely cover the pineapple slices.
  5. Grill or Bake the Cake: If using a grill, preheat it to medium heat and cook the cake in the covered pan, indirectly over heat, for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Alternatively, bake in a 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes.
  6. Invert and Serve: Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a serving plate so the caramelized pineapple topping is displayed beautifully.

Notes

  • Choose ripe pineapples: Sweet, ripe pineapples caramelize better and taste juicier when grilled.
  • Grill carefully: Use indirect heat to avoid burning the cake while getting a lovely char on the pineapple.
  • Use a heavy pan: Cast iron or a thick aluminum pan retains heat evenly during grilling or baking.
  • Don’t rush flipping: Let the cake cool enough to set before turning out to prevent tearing.
  • Prep in advance: Pineapple slices and caramel topping can be prepared ahead, saving time on grilling day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled Pineapple, Upside Down Cake, Tropical Dessert, Summer Dessert, Caramelized Pineapple, BBQ Dessert, Gluten-Free Cake

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/grilled-pineapple-upside-down-cakes/