James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. Known for his approachable and delicious recipes, James Martin brings an indulgent and comforting dessert to life with his version of this retro treat.

This cake is famous for its stunning presentation, where the pineapple slices and syrup create a golden, caramelized top that is revealed when the cake is flipped over after baking. It’s a great balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a soft, buttery sponge beneath. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special occasion, James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake is an impressive yet simple dessert that never fails to satisfy.

James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For The Topping

• Pineapple slices – Ideally, fresh or canned, in rings. Fresh pineapple will give a slightly more vibrant and natural flavor, while canned pineapple in syrup is often more convenient and just as tasty.
• Butter – Used to coat the pan and create the base for the pineapple topping, giving the cake a rich and smooth texture.
• Brown sugar – Dark brown sugar or light brown sugar adds depth and caramel flavor to the pineapple topping.
• Maraschino cherries – Often used as a garnish on top of the pineapples, adding a pop of color and an extra burst of sweetness.

For The Cake

• Butter – A key ingredient for the cake, it provides richness and a light texture.
• Caster sugar – This fine sugar helps achieve a light, fluffy cake texture.
• Eggs – Fresh eggs are essential to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Self-raising flour – Self-raising flour makes the cake rise and gives it a soft, airy texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with plain flour and baking powder.
• Baking powder – Even if using self-raising flour, a little baking powder helps boost the cake’s rise.
• Vanilla extract – For an aromatic sweetness that enhances the cake’s flavor.
• Milk – This helps to loosen the batter and ensure a soft, moist cake.

Equipment Needed

To make James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake, here’s a list of basic kitchen tools:

• 9-inch round cake tin – Preferably a springform tin so the cake can be easily removed and flipped.
• Mixing bowls – For mixing the batter and preparing the ingredients.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – This is ideal for mixing the batter until it’s light and fluffy.
• Spatula – For scraping the bowl and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
• Saucepan – To melt the butter for the topping.
• Knife – For cutting the pineapple if fresh, and for scoring the maraschino cherries if needed.
• Cooling rack – To allow the cake to cool after baking and before flipping.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake

1. Prepare The Topping

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
   • Melt 100g of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add 100g of brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until dissolved. Once combined, pour the mixture into the bottom of your cake tin, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
   • Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the sugar mixture. If you’re using maraschino cherries, place one cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

2. Prepare The Cake Batter

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together 175g of softened butter and 175g of caster sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
   • Sift 225g of self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula.
   • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the batter. Stir until well combined.

3. Assemble The Cake

   • Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pineapple layer in the tin, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
   • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Flip And Serve

   • Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the tin.
   • Place a plate over the top of the cake tin and carefully flip the tin over. Gently lift the tin off to reveal the beautifully caramelized pineapple topping.
   • Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple adds a more intense and natural flavor to the cake. Slice the pineapple carefully to get uniform rings that look neat and even in the tin.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When making the cake batter, mix it just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
3. Ensure the Tin is Well Greased: Grease the sides of the cake tin well, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures the cake will come out easily after baking.
4. Be Patient When Flipping: After baking, let the cake rest for about 10 minutes before flipping. This allows the caramelized topping to set and reduces the risk of it sticking to the tin.
5. Experiment with Other Fruits: While pineapple is classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches or cherries for a variation. Just make sure to adjust the syrup or sugar to balance the flavors.

James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a perfect dessert for those who love a combination of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. The golden, caramelized pineapple topping paired with a fluffy, buttery cake beneath it creates a wonderful contrast of textures.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe guarantees a showstopper dessert that will impress everyone. Happy baking!.

Simple Twists On James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe

James Martin’s classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a beloved dessert known for its caramelized pineapple topping and moist, fluffy sponge. While the recipe itself is delightful, you can experiment with a few creative twists to personalize it further, making it your own masterpiece.

1. Coconut and Lime Infusion: For a tropical variation, incorporate coconut into the cake batter and a dash of lime zest for added brightness. You could even substitute half the butter with coconut oil to bring a subtle coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the pineapple’s sweetness.
2. Spiced Pineapple: Add a warm, spiced touch to your pineapple topping by sprinkling a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the caramelization process. These spices will complement the pineapple’s natural tartness and enhance the cake’s flavor.
3. Brown Sugar and Rum: Elevate the caramelized topping by using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, deeper flavor. Adding a splash of dark rum to the sugar while caramelizing the pineapple adds an indulgent twist that creates a more sophisticated dessert.
4. Cherries for Extra Color: While the traditional recipe calls for pineapple as the star of the show, adding maraschino cherries or fresh pitted cherries to the topping creates a pop of color and adds an extra layer of flavor to the cake.
5. Vegan Version: For a plant-based twist, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) in place of the regular eggs. Replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond or oat milk. This will make the cake just as moist and delicious without any animal products.
6. Chocolate Pineapple Upside Down Cake: For those who love chocolate, a decadent chocolate version can be made by adding cocoa powder to the cake batter. You can even drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the finished cake for extra richness.

These simple yet impactful changes can take James Martin’s original recipe to new heights, allowing you to enjoy different flavors and textures while still keeping the essence of the classic dessert intact.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is such a treat that you might want to enjoy it for several days after baking. Here’s how to store any leftovers to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

1. Let it Cool: Before storing, allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. Storing it while still warm could result in condensation inside the storage container, making the cake soggy.
2. Cover and Store: Place the leftover cake in an airtight container to preserve its moisture. If you don’t have an airtight container large enough, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure the surface is sealed properly to prevent drying out.
3. Refrigeration: Although pineapple upside down cake can typically be left at room temperature for up to two days, if you plan to store it for longer, refrigerate it. Refrigeration will keep the cake fresh for up to 5 days, but be aware that the texture of the cake might change slightly, becoming denser.
4. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you have a lot of leftovers or you want to save some for a later time, freezing the cake is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
5. Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat the cake in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.

By following these steps, your Pineapple Upside Down Cake will stay as delicious as the day it was baked, giving you a satisfying treat for days to come.

What To Eat With James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake?

While the Pineapple Upside Down Cake is decadent on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dessert experience. Here are a few delightful options that go wonderfully with this fruity and sweet cake:

1. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the cake’s sweetness. You can even flavor the cream with vanilla, a hint of almond extract, or a touch of rum to tie into the cake’s tropical flavors.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing with any warm dessert, especially one as indulgent as this cake, is vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream against the warm, caramelized pineapple is a perfect match.
3. Custard: A rich and velvety custard can add an extra layer of indulgence. Whether homemade or store-bought, custard complements the cake’s sweetness and enhances its flavors. You could even add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the custard for an added twist.
4. Fresh Berries: While the cake itself is sweet, a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can provide a refreshing, tangy contrast. Their slight tartness balances the cake’s sugar, creating a beautiful flavor balance.
5. Mascarpone Cream: For something a little more decadent, you could pair your cake with a spoonful of mascarpone cream. This rich, creamy cheese is slightly tangy, and when sweetened and whipped, it makes for a perfect indulgent topping.
6. Coffee or Tea: A cup of warm coffee or tea is a great accompaniment to this dessert. The bitterness of the coffee or the mild flavors of a well-brewed tea can complement the sweetness of the cake without overpowering it.

These additions will enhance your Pineapple Upside Down Cake experience, making it a more versatile treat that’s ideal for all kinds of occasions, from a simple afternoon snack to a luxurious dessert at a dinner party.

Conclusion

James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a beloved dessert that stands the test of time thanks to its rich flavor, moist texture, and visually stunning presentation. By exploring simple twists on the recipe, you can customize this treat to suit various tastes and preferences, from tropical infusions to vegan options.

Properly storing any leftovers ensures you can enjoy this dessert for days to come, keeping it fresh and tasty. And for those looking to enhance their experience, there’s a wide array of sides and drinks that pair beautifully with this cake, from whipped cream and ice cream to coffee or custard. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just as an everyday treat, Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients Needed For James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake?

The key ingredients for James Martin’s pineapple upside down cake include canned pineapple rings, butter, brown sugar, self-raising flour, eggs, and vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create the signature caramelized topping and moist cake texture that this recipe is known for.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead Of Canned For James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned for James Martin’s pineapple upside down cake. However, you will need to ensure that the fresh pineapple is sliced into rings and caramelized in the pan before adding the batter. Canned pineapple is often preferred for its natural sweetness and ease, but fresh pineapple will give the cake a fresher, tangier taste.

How Can I Make James Martin’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Gluten-free?

To make James Martin’s pineapple upside down cake gluten-free, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains a rising agent, or add a gluten-free baking powder to regular gluten-free flour. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten and opt for gluten-free options as needed. The cake’s texture should remain similar, though the flavor might be slightly different depending on the flour blend used.