Gorgeous Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this stunning Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. This dessert is a delightful combination of caramelized pineapple, rich brown sugar, and moist cake that will enchant your taste buds and impress your guests. Cooking in a cast iron Dutch oven not only enhances the flavors but also provides that rustic, homey aesthetic that is sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy family dinner, this cake is a beautiful centerpiece that tastes just as wonderful as it looks. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
12
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Brown Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Packed)
Pineapple Slices
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Maraschino Cherries
10 (Stemmed)
Pineapple Cake Mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package (Follow package instructions)
Water
1 1/3 cups (As needed)
Vegetable Oil
1/3 cup (N/A)
Large Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2
In a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3
Once melted, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter, ensuring it is well mixed.
4
Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture, then place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
5
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the pineapple cake mix according to the package directions. Substitute some of the water with reserved pineapple juice for added flavor. Remember to check the back of the package for specific instructions.
6
Pour the prepared cake batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries in the Dutch oven.
7
Bake according to the instructions on the cake mix package. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary; check for doneness by inserting a clean knife into the center of the cake. It may require longer than suggested, sometimes up to double the time.
8
Once baked, cool the cake in the Dutch oven for 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized pineapple to be the star of the show.
9
Serve warm for the best experience. To prevent sticking, avoid letting the cake cool too long in the Dutch oven.
Nutrition Information
11.5g
Fat
33g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
12.2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gorgeous Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake?
It is a stunning dessert featuring caramelized pineapple, brown sugar, and moist cake baked in a cast iron Dutch oven for a rustic aesthetic.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of the cake?
There is 11.5g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 33g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in each slice?
There is 12.2g of sugar per serving.
Does this cake contain protein?
Yes, it contains 1.5g of protein per serving.
How much butter is required for the base?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
What kind of sugar is used for the caramel layer?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
What size can of pineapple should I buy?
You need one 20-ounce can of pineapple slices, drained.
How many maraschino cherries are used?
The recipe uses 10 stemmed maraschino cherries.
What type of cake mix is recommended?
One 18 1/4 ounce package of pineapple cake mix is recommended.
Can I enhance the flavor of the cake batter?
Yes, substitute some of the required water with reserved pineapple juice for added flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 3 large beaten eggs.
How much vegetable oil is used in the mix?
You will need 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
What is the first step in preparing the Dutch oven?
Melt the butter over medium-high heat directly in the Dutch oven or skillet.
How should the brown sugar be applied?
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter after removing the skillet from the heat.
How do I arrange the fruit?
Place pineapple slices in a single layer over the sugar, then place a cherry in the center of each slice.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a clean knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Why might the baking time differ from the cake mix box?
Cooking in cast iron and with fruit layers may require longer than suggested, sometimes up to double the time.
How long should the cake cool before flipping?
Let the cake cool in the Dutch oven for exactly 10 minutes.
What is the risk of letting the cake cool too long?
If it cools too long, the caramel may harden and cause the cake to stick to the Dutch oven.
How do I serve the cake?
Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the pineapple side is on top.
What is the best way to enjoy this dessert?
It is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I use a cast iron skillet instead of a Dutch oven?
Yes, a cast iron skillet is a suitable alternative for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be?
Follow the specific temperature instructions provided on the back of your cake mix package.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is a beautiful centerpiece that is a great conversation starter at any gathering.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pineapple upside-down cake, dutch oven recipes, dessert, and cast iron cooking.
How much water is listed in the ingredients?
The recipe lists 1 1/3 cups of water, though juice can be substituted.
What should the preparation of the brown sugar be?
The brown sugar should be packed when measuring.