Pineapple Upside Down Brownie — pineapple-upside-down brownie
Pineapple-upside-down brownie is an American mash-up: the upside-down-cake pattern of caramelised pineapple rings with a maraschino cherry centred in each, baked over a brownie batter rather than a sponge cake. When inverted, the caramelised top reveals the iconic pineapple-and-cherry pattern.
i. Origin & history
Pineapple upside-down cake was popularised in the 1920s after Dole's pineapple-canning industry boom. The brownie variant is a modern adaptation, combining two American baking icons.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 12 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 60 g unsalted butter (for topping)
- 100 g muscovado sugar
- 6 pineapple rings (tinned)
- 6 maraschino cherries
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 150 g unsalted butter (for batter)
- 200 g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150 g plain flour
- 30 g cocoa
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
iii. Method
- Heat oven to 170 °C. Line a 22 cm square tin with parchment.
- Melt butter for topping; mix with muscovado sugar; spread in the base of the tin.
- Arrange pineapple rings on the sugar layer; place a cherry in each ring centre.
- Make brownie batter: melt chocolate and butter; whisk in sugar and eggs; fold in flour, cocoa, salt, vanilla.
- Pour over the pineapple. Bake 35-40 min until set with a slight wobble.
- Cool 10 min; invert onto a plate.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Classic pineapple upside-down cake uses sponge instead of brownie. Modern variations use bananas, peaches, or apricots.
vi. Common questions
What is pineapple upside down brownie?
Pineapple Upside Down Brownie is pineapple-upside-down brownie, from north american cuisine. When inverted, the caramelised top reveals the iconic pineapple-and-cherry pattern
Where is pineapple upside down brownie from?
Pineapple Upside Down Brownie is from the north american dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does pineapple upside down brownie keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 3 days at room temperature.