Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a nostalgic, classic dessert featuring a caramelized pineapple topping on a soft, buttery sponge cake. With a delightful mix of fruity sweetness and buttery richness, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a special celebration.

What is Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a retro-style cake with sliced pineapple and maraschino cherries arranged in a brown sugar and butter glaze at the bottom of the cake pan. The batter is poured on top, and when the cake is inverted after baking, the caramelized fruit topping creates a beautiful, glossy presentation.

Other Popular Recipes

• James Martin Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Jamie Oliver Chocolate and Raspberry Cake
• Mary Berry Apple Upside Down Cake

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Beautiful Presentation: The caramelized pineapples and cherries create a stunning, eye-catching look.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: A moist cake with a caramelized pineapple topping.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics for a classic dessert.
• Versatile Occasion Cake: Works for casual desserts or celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and baking process.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

For the Topping

• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): Forms the base of the caramel topping.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel flavor to the pineapple topping.
• 7-8 Pineapple Rings (canned or fresh): Sweet and juicy, perfect for the topping.
• 7-8 Maraschino Cherries (optional): Add a pop of color in the center of each pineapple ring.

For the Cake Batter

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and a soft texture to the cake.
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake batter.
• 2 Large Eggs: Helps the cake rise and gives it structure.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
• 1 and 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
• 1 and 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk: Keeps the cake moist and soft.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Step 1. Prepare the Topping

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, swirling to coat evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter to create an even layer. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the sugar layer and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

Step 2. Prepare the Cake Batter

• In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.

Step 3. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4. Mix the Batter

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5. Pour the Batter Over the Topping

• Carefully spread the batter over the pineapple and brown sugar topping, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula.

Step 6. Bake the Cake

• Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown, and the topping should be bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 7. Cool and Invert

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Let it cool slightly before serving.

What Goes Well With Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Whipped Cream – Adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Perfectly complements the warm, caramelized topping.
• Coconut Cream – Adds a tropical touch to the dessert.
• Fresh Mint – Provides a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle – Enhances the caramelized pineapple flavor.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Softened Butter – Soft butter blends better with sugar for a fluffy cake.
• Avoid Overmixing – Overmixing can make the cake dense; mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Room temperature eggs and milk help create a smooth batter.
• Don’t Wait to Invert – Invert the cake while it’s still warm to avoid sticking.
• Arrange Pineapple Evenly – Ensure pineapple rings are in a single layer for even caramelization.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Try these variations for a unique twist:

• Add Coconut Flakes – Sprinkle coconut on top of the batter for a tropical flavor.
• Use Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple rings add natural sweetness and flavor.
• Make It a Rum Cake – Add a splash of dark rum to the batter or topping for a Caribbean flair.
• Use Almond Extract – Substitute vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Add Crushed Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the brown sugar layer.

Best Practices to Store Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Cover Tightly – Keep the cake covered to retain moisture.
• Freeze for Longer Storage – Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Best Practices to Reheat Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

• Oven Reheat – Reheat in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 10 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave Reheat – Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Serve Warm – Pineapple upside-down cake is best enjoyed slightly warm.

How Can I Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Healthier?

• Use Less Sugar – Reduce sugar in the topping or cake batter.
• Substitute Whole Wheat Flour – Use part whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Skip the Cherries – Omit cherries if you prefer a lower-sugar topping.
• Use Greek Yogurt – Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt for less fat.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit – Pair with fresh berries instead of ice cream for a lighter dessert.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g

FAQs

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well in place of canned. Just slice it thinly and remove the core. Fresh pineapple may have slightly more moisture, so it’s a good idea to pat the slices dry before arranging them in the pan.

How Do I Prevent Pineapple Upside-Down Cake from Sticking?

To prevent sticking, generously grease the cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper before adding the butter and sugar topping, which will help with easy release when inverting.

Can I Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, pineapple upside-down cake can be made up to one day in advance. Once cooled, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the Best Way to Store Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?

Store the pineapple upside-down cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Covering the cake well helps keep it moist and prevents the topping from drying out.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a delightful, retro dessert that combines caramelized pineapple with a soft, buttery cake for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This classic cake is easy to make and beautiful to serve, making it ideal for family dinners, celebrations, or as a sweet treat anytime. Enjoy each slice with your favorite topping, and savor the nostalgia of this timeless dessert!

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