Ingredients for Golden Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Golden Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and moisture to the cake. You’ll need both melted and softened butter for different parts of the recipe.
- Brown sugar: It brings a deep, caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the pineapple. It’s the secret to that luscious topping!
- Pineapple rings: Fresh or canned, these juicy rings are the star of the show. They add sweetness and a tropical flair.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and stability. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.
- Baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the acidity of the sour cream or yogurt to create a light cake.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the batter and contributes to the cake’s golden color.
- Vegetable oil: It keeps the cake moist and tender. You can use melted coconut oil for a tropical twist!
- Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Both add moisture and a slight tang, making the cake incredibly tender.
- Pineapple juice: Reserved from the canned pineapple or freshly squeezed, it adds a burst of flavor to the batter.
- Powdered sugar: This is for the glaze, giving it that sweet, smooth finish.
- Pineapple juice or milk: Use this to adjust the glaze’s consistency to your liking.
How to Make Golden Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making the Golden Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a tropical delight that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab your bundt pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Trust me, you don’t want your beautiful cake to cling to the pan!
Step 2: Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. This mixture will create a sweet, caramel-like base for your pineapple. Pour it evenly into the bottom of your prepared bundt pan. Now, arrange the pineapple rings on top of the butter-sugar mixture. Feel free to get creative—overlapping them can add a lovely design!
Step 3: Make Cake Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry mix. In another bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla, sour cream, and pineapple juice. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Now it’s time to pour the batter over the pineapple layer in the bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every pineapple ring is covered. This helps the cake bake uniformly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 5: Cool & Flip
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling time is essential for the cake to set. After that, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate while it’s still warm. Give it a gentle shake to help release the cake. If it doesn’t come out easily, don’t panic! Just tap the pan lightly until it does.
Step 6: Add Glaze
To finish off your Golden Pineapple Upside-Down Bundt Cake, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of pineapple juice or milk until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in a bit. This final touch adds sweetness and a beautiful shine!