Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Mini Upside-Down Cakes! These adorable treats are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out on your baking adventures, get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible goodies.
In this easy-to-follow introduction, we’ll guide you through the process of making these miniature marvels step by step. From preparing the ingredients to assembling and baking, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the baking magic begin!
Ingredients for Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
- 12 (4-ounce) mason jars
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, juice drained
- 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup milk
Mini Upside Down Cakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set them aside.
- Using an electric mixer, combine the shortening, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Set the mixture aside.
- Spray each mason jar with cooking oil like Pam.
- Place 1 cherry at the bottom of each jar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of crushed pineapple on top of each cherry.
- Pour the batter into each jar, filling only about halfway.
- Place all jars on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Serve directly in the jar or tip upside down to remove the cake.
- Place seal-tight lids on top and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Prepare Mason Jars Properly: Ensure the mason jars are clean and dry before using them. Grease them well with cooking oil to prevent the cakes from sticking.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the fruit toppings. Fresh or good quality canned fruits will enhance the flavor of your cakes.
- Uniform Slicing: If using canned pineapple, ensure that the pineapple slices are evenly sized to fit into the bottom of each jar. This will help in even baking and presentation.
- Even Batter Distribution: Fill each jar with batter only halfway to leave room for rising during baking. This will prevent the batter from overflowing and ensure evenly baked cakes.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cakes while they’re baking. Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark. The cakes are ready when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool in the jars for about 10 minutes before serving or attempting to remove them. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve with Creativity: Serve the cakes directly in the jars for a charming presentation, or invert them onto a plate for a traditional upside-down cake appearance. You can also top them with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, seal the jars tightly with lids and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Before serving, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors. Try different fruit combinations or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra depth of flavor.
- Enjoy the Process: Baking should be enjoyable, so have fun experimenting with different variations and enjoy the delicious results with friends and family!
Frequently asked Questions:
- Can I use regular cake pans instead of mason jars? Yes, you can. However, using mason jars adds a charming and individualized touch to the presentation. If using cake pans, adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Do I have to use maraschino cherries? No, you can use any type of cherry you prefer or substitute with other fruits like sliced peaches, pineapple rings, or even berries.
- Can I make these cakes in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to seal the jars tightly with lids.
- Can I freeze the Mini Upside-Down Cakes? While it’s technically possible to freeze them, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the fridge for shorter periods.
- How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the mason jars? Make sure to grease the jars thoroughly with cooking oil before adding the fruit and batter. Additionally, allowing the cakes to cool slightly before removing them from the jars can help prevent sticking.
- What can I serve with Mini Upside-Down Cakes? These cakes are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Can I make these cakes gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
- Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned? Absolutely! Fresh fruit can be a delicious option. Just make sure to slice it thinly and evenly to ensure even baking.
- How do I know when the cakes are done baking? The cakes are ready when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
- Can I reheat the cakes before serving? Yes, you can warm them up slightly in the microwave before serving if you prefer them warm. Just be cautious not to overheat them, as they may become too hot in the jars.
Mini Upside Down Cakes
Mini Upside-Down Cakes! These adorable treats are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out on your baking adventures, get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible goodies.
Ingredients
- 12 (4-ounce) mason jars
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, juice drained
- 1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set them aside.
- Using an electric mixer, combine the shortening, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Set the mixture aside.
- Spray each mason jar with cooking oil like Pam.
- Place 1 cherry at the bottom of each jar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of crushed pineapple on top of each cherry.
- Pour the batter into each jar, filling only about halfway.
- Place all jars on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Serve directly in the jar or tip upside down to remove the cake.
- Place seal-tight lids on top and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 196Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 151mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 3g
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