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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brown Butter
Start by browning the butter for the cake batter:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
- Once the butter starts to bubble, lower the heat and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the butter cool to room temperature before using.
2. Make the Pineapple Topping
- In a 9-inch round cake pan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble and thicken.
- Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the caramelized sugar, making a circle around the pan. You can also use the leftover pineapple pieces to fill in the gaps. If you’re using maraschino cherries, place one cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the cake batter.
3. Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add the sour cream and buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Lastly, fold in the brown butter (cooled) and mix until smooth.
4. Assemble and Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter over the pineapple topping in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when touched lightly.
5. Cool and Flip
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan and prevent the topping from sticking.
- After cooling slightly, carefully flip the cake over onto a serving platter. Gently lift the pan off, being careful not to disturb the pineapple topping. If any pieces stick to the pan, simply scrape them off and place them back onto the cake.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the cake cool for a few more minutes before slicing and serving.
- For a little extra flair, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Why This Cake Will Blow Your Mind
So, what makes this Next-Level Pineapple Upside-Down Cake stand out? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures:
- Brown Butter: This adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the pineapple and caramel topping. The depth of flavor it brings to the cake batter is a game-changer.
- Caramelized Pineapple: By simmering the pineapple in brown sugar and cinnamon, the fruit becomes caramelized, releasing extra juices and creating a sweet, sticky topping that complements the cake perfectly.
- Moist and Fluffy Cake: The combination of buttermilk and sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist, while the brown butter ensures it’s flavorful and decadent.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spice: The warm cinnamon in the cake batter balances out the sweetness of the pineapple, making this cake more complex and flavorful than your typical upside-down cake.
Final Thoughts
This Next-Level Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It takes the classic recipe and adds a few extra touches to elevate the flavor and presentation. With its buttery, caramelized pineapple topping, moist cake, and the indulgent addition of brown butter, this dessert will surely impress guests or provide the perfect ending to a family meal.
So, the next time you’re looking to bake something that’s both familiar and extraordinary, give this upgraded version of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake a try. With just a few extra ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that’s truly unforgettable!
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