Mary Berry’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional upside-down cake, infusing the classic caramelized topping with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. This dessert is perfect for those who appreciate a moist, flavorful cake with a hint of nostalgia. Ideal for gatherings, this cake promises to be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Serving 6-8 people, this recipe can be whipped up in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
Imagine a layer of juicy pineapple rings, glistening with caramel, sitting atop a soft, buttery sponge. That’s the essence of Mary Berry’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake – a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Learn:
- The Basics of Cake Baking
- Jamie Oliver Pineapple Upside-down Cake
- Hairy Bikers Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Visually Impressive: Makes a statement with its golden pineapple topping.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual to festive.
What You Need To Make Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
To make this pineapple upside-down cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter: 100 grams (3.5 ounces), softened, plus extra for greasing
- Caster Sugar: 100 grams (3.5 ounces), for a light, fine texture that dissolves easily
- Eggs: 2 large, room temperature
- Self-Raising Flour: 100 grams (3.5 ounces), sifted
- Milk: 1 tablespoon, to loosen the batter
- Pineapple Rings in Syrup: 7 rings, drained (keep the syrup for the topping)
- Cherries: 7, glacé or maraschino, to place in the center of pineapple rings
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for the caramelized topping
Useful Equipment
- Round Cake Tin: Preferably 20cm (8 inches) in diameter
- Electric Mixer: For a smooth and airy batter
- Spatula: To fold and spread the batter evenly
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cake post-baking
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Here are the steps to make this pineapple upside-down cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the cake tin thoroughly with butter. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the base of the tin. Arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer at the bottom, and place a cherry in the center of each ring.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a little flour.
Fold in the remaining flour and milk until the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this will toughen the cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter over the arranged fruit, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 4: Invert the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, place a plate over the tin and carefully turn it upside down. Remove the tin and let the cake cool completely before serving.
How To Serve Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Enhance your cake experience with these curated pairings:
- Optimal Temperature: The cake shines when served warm or at room temperature, enhancing its rich flavors.
- Pure Simplicity: Relish the cake in its pure form, letting the caramelized pineapple and moist sponge take center stage.
- Creamy Addition: Elevate its taste by adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side or on top.
- Cold Complement: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful cold-meets-warm dessert experience.
- Classic Pairing: A drizzle of custard can provide a classic, comforting touch.
- Berry Boost: Fresh berries, whether strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, add a fruity contrast and a burst of color.
- Mood Lifter: Beyond its taste, this cake is sure to lift spirits, satiating both the sweet tooth and the soul.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Here are some pro tips to make sure your cake turns out perfect every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a uniform batter.
- Golden Brown Sugar: Consider using golden brown sugar for the caramel layer to add a deeper flavor.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be of a dropping consistency; if it’s too thick, add a teaspoon more of milk.
- Baking Position: Place the cake tin in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
- Cake Release: Run a knife around the edge of the cake tin before flipping to help release the cake smoothly.
- Decorative Touch: After flipping, if any pineapple pieces have shifted, gently put them back in place while the cake is still warm.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the cake on a plate with a raised edge to catch any delicious caramel drippings.
Variations of Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Tropical Medley: Add slices of mango or papaya alongside the pineapple for a tropical fruit mix.
- Berry Delight: Swap the pineapple for berries like strawberries or raspberries for a berry upside-down cake.
- Citrus Twist: Introduce thin slices of orange or lemon for a citrus-infused version.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the pineapple rings before adding the batter for a warm spice note.
- Nutty Crunch: Scatter chopped walnuts or pecans over the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
How do I Store Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Short-Term: If you’re planning to enjoy the cake within the next couple of days, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. For a slightly longer period, pop it into the refrigerator where it’ll be good for up to 5 days.
- Long-Term: For those who love to prep ahead or save some joy for later, this cake freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container or wrap, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Whether you’re pulling it from the pantry, fridge, or freezer, you can warm it up in a jiffy. Use a microwave for quick results (just a few seconds will do). For a more oven-fresh taste, reheat in a low oven for about 10 minutes.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake?
You can reheat this cake in two ways:
- Microwave: Cut a slice of cake and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds or until warm.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C and place the whole cake or individual slices on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until warm.
How To Fix A Soggy Pineapple Upside Down Cake
If your pineapple upside down cake turns out soggy, don’t worry. You can fix it by rebaking it in a low oven (150°C) for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the excess moisture evaporate. This will also crisp up the topping and make it more caramelized.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
The nutrition value for one piece of pineapple upside down cake (1/9 of 8″ square) is as follows:
- Calories: 367
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 367mg
- Total carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 71.3ÎĽg
- Vitamin C: 1.4mg
- Calcium: 138mg
- Iron: 1.7mg
Other Mary Berry Cakes Recipe
FAQs
Can you substitute fresh pineapple for canned in Mary Berry’s pineapple upside down cake?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple for canned in this recipe. Fresh pineapple tends to be slightly juicier and more flavorful, but ensure it’s ripe and sweet. Cut it into thin slices to match the typical thickness of canned pineapple to achieve a similar texture and cooking time.
What type of pan is best for baking a pineapple upside down cake?
A round, deep cake pan is ideal for baking a pineapple upside down cake, particularly a 9-inch pan as recommended by Mary Berry. The depth is important to contain the fruit and batter comfortably, preventing any overflow as the cake rises during baking.
How long does it take to bake Mary Berry’s pineapple upside down cake?
The baking time for Mary Berry’s pineapple upside down cake is typically about 45 minutes at 180°C (350°F). It’s important to check the cake towards the end of the baking time with a skewer or toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
Can pineapple upside down cake be made in advance?
Yes, pineapple upside down cake can be prepared in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Ensure the cake is stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Mary Berry pineapple upside down cake recipe. This is one of my favorite cakes to make because it is easy, delicious, and beautiful. It is also a great way to use fresh pineapples when they are in season. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. Happy baking!