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Perfect Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cake

grilled pineapple upside down cake - featured image
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A unique twist on the classic pineapple upside down cake, grilled to caramelized perfection for easy outdoor entertaining. This recipe combines smoky, sweet pineapple with a moist, tender cake, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pineapple Topping: Pour melted butter evenly across the bottom of a cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle brown sugar over the butter to create a uniform layer. Arrange drained pineapple slices on top, pressing gently. Optionally, tuck maraschino cherries into the centers of the pineapple rings.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined; batter should be thick but pourable.
  3. Pour Batter Over Pineapple: Carefully spread the batter over the pineapple rings in the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula without disturbing the arrangement.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Grill: Heat grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). Use indirect heat by turning off burners or moving coals to one side. Place skillet over cooler part of grill to prevent burning the topping.
  5. Grill the Cake: Place skillet on grill and close lid. Cook slowly for 40-50 minutes, checking after 30 minutes to rotate pan for even heat. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges start pulling away from skillet.
  6. Cool and Invert: Remove skillet from grill and cool for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife around edges to loosen, then carefully invert onto serving plate so pineapple topping is on top. If any fruit sticks to pan, gently place it back on cake.

Notes

Maintain steady medium heat (around 350°F) and use indirect heat to prevent burning. Let the cake rest after grilling to allow caramel to set for cleaner slices. Avoid opening the grill too often to keep heat consistent. If brown sugar bubbles too aggressively, reduce grill heat. Use a spray bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pineapple upside down cake, outdoor dessert, grilled cake, pineapple dessert, summer cake, easy cake recipe, cast iron skillet cake

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/perfect-grilled-pineapple-upside-down-cake-recipe-for-easy-outdoor-entertaining/