Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Serves 6 · 15 min prep · 32 min cook

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 (20 oz) can, drained, juice reserved canned pineapple rings in juice
• 6–7 maraschino cherries
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter and cook, stirring once, for 1–2 minutes until the sugar begins to dissolve and bubble.
2. 2Remove the skillet from heat. Arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer over the brown-sugar mixture; nestle a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
3. 3In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl cream the remaining softened butter with the granulated sugar until light, about 2 minutes.
4. 4Beat in the egg, then stir in the milk, reserved pineapple juice, and vanilla until the wet mixture is smooth.
5. 5Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir gently with a spatula just until a thick, lump-free batter forms; do not overmix.
6. 6Dollop the batter evenly over the pineapple layer and carefully spread it to the edges with an offset spatula so the fruit is completely covered.
7. 7Bake the skillet on the center rack for 28–32 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. 8Remove from the oven and let the cake rest in the skillet for exactly 5 minutes so the caramel sets slightly but is still loose enough to release.
9. 9Run a thin knife the edge, place a large serving plate upside-down over the skillet, and carefully invert in one swift motion. Lift the skillet away; if any fruit sticks, gently reposition it.
10. 10Serve warm, cut into 6 wedges, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.