Get ready to transform your dessert game with a twist on the classic pineapple upside down cake that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just any ordinary cake – it's a grilling masterpiece that combines the smoky warmth of outdoor cooking with the sweet, caramelized perfection of tender pineapple and rich, moist cake. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a weekend grill master, this recipe promises to be your new go-to dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple slices
- 1 maraschino cherry for each pineapple slice
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the outdoor grill or oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the grill has a consistent medium heat or oven is properly preheated.
- Melt butter in a skillet and mix with brown sugar until well combined and slightly caramelized.
- Cut a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 18 inches long, and fold up the edges to create a shallow baking pan.
- Pour the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of the foil pan, spreading it to create a uniform layer.
- Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer over the butter-sugar mixture, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions, using eggs and replacing water with pineapple juice for enhanced flavor.
- Gently pour the cake batter over the arranged pineapple slices, ensuring even coverage without disturbing the fruit layer.
- Carefully transfer the foil pan to the preheated grill or oven, making sure the foil is stable and edges are slightly raised to prevent spillage.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake's center comes out clean.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate.
- Gently lift the foil to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping, allowing any remaining syrup to drip over the cake.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a sturdy, leak-proof baking surface that makes grilling and serving a breeze.
- Replace water with pineapple juice in the cake mix for an extra burst of tropical flavor that takes this dessert to the next level.
- Make sure your grill or oven is preheated to a consistent 350°F to ensure even baking and perfect caramelization.
- Let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before inverting – this helps the caramel topping set and prevents the cake from falling apart.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Choose fresh, firm pineapple slices and bright maraschino cherries for the most visually stunning presentation.
- If you're grilling, use indirect heat to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly cooked cake with a beautifully caramelized top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 352kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
