Pineapple Cake

  in Desserts, Recipes

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 ripe pineapple
1-2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit in the pan. Lightly spray the parchment circle.
  2. Using an electric mixer beat the melted butter and sugar together until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat on high speed for one minute until smooth and thick.
  3. Beat in the milk. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and beat until smooth, but don’t overmix.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool about 10 minutes. Loosen the sides by running a knife around the cake, then invert the pan onto a plate. Gently tap the pan until the cake drops out. Invert the cake again onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
  5. Whip the cream with the maple syrup and vanilla until soft peaks form. Place the bowl in the fridge.
  6. Peel and cut the pineapple into quarters. Cut down each quarter to cut out the core. Coarsely chop half the pineapple and place in a bowl. Add 1 – 2  tablespoons sugar and mash slightly and stir, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is syrupy. Slice the remaining pineapple.
  7. Remove the parchment paper from the cake and cut the cake in half through the equator with a long knife. Place the bottom piece on a cake stand or serving plate. Spoon the chopped pineapple and juices evenly over the cake. Spread half the whipped cream over the pineapple.
  8. Place the top half of the cake over the cream. Spread the remaining cream over the cake and arrange the pineapple slices in a pretty pattern over the cream. You can serve immediately, or keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This is best enjoyed the same day you make it.