Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bars

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bars

Introduction:
Pineapple upside-down cake is a beloved classic that combines the sweetness of caramelized sugar, the tang of pineapple, and the rich flavor of buttery cake. These Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bars take that same nostalgic flavor and transform it into a convenient, easy-to-serve dessert perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family treats. With its golden caramelized topping and tropical aroma, this dessert is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

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• Pineapple slices or spears (fresh or canned, drained)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup milk

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• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Topping:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a greased rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange the pineapple slices or spears neatly over the sugar, covering the bottom of the dish.

2. Make the Batter:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and pineapple juice. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

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4. Assemble and Bake:
   Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple layer, spreading it carefully to avoid disturbing the arrangement. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and Invert:
   Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving tray. Cut into bars or squares for easy serving.

Conclusion:
These Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bars capture the essence of a tropical paradise in every bite. The caramelized pineapple topping blends perfectly with the moist, buttery cake, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or simply when you want a taste of the tropics, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again.