Incorporating fruit into baked treats is a common practice, with recipes often calling for mashed bananas or applesauce. However, there’s something special about using canned pineapple in Southern baking that sets it apart. Similar to how Southerners prefer buttermilk over whole milk, opting for a can of crushed pineapple instead of water in a boxed cake mix is not uncommon – and there’s a good reason for it.
Canned pineapple, whether sliced or crushed, brings a subtle acidity that adds moisture and helps with leavening, resulting in a light and fluffy texture in various recipes. This hidden gem of Southern cooking plays a key role in enhancing the flavor and texture of baked goods.
From classic Depression-era favorites like Million Dollar Cake to the iconic Pig Pickin Cake, canned pineapple elevates cake recipes to new heights. While it’s not just about the flavor, Associate Food Editor Alana Al-Hatlani explains that the moisture from pineapple prevents cakes from becoming overly dense. The acidity of pineapple also contributes to the cake’s texture, maintaining a perfect balance.
Recipe Developer Sheri Castle notes the convenience and consistency of using canned pineapple in family recipes, eliminating the worry of preparation variations. Incorporating this pantry staple into modern creations like Carrot Pineapple Cake brings together the best of traditional Southern flavors.
“Poke” cakes like Pineapple Sunshine Cake and Punch Bowl Cake cleverly infuse the cake with crushed pineapple and its juice for added moisture and flavor. Drizzling the cake with the reserved syrup from the can creates a sweet glaze, enhancing the tropical taste. Experimenting with reducing the syrup for a concentrated glaze or incorporating it into frosting offers a tangy pineapple essence that pairs beautifully with vanilla and coconut cakes.
For a quick and easy treat, a can of pineapple can transform a boxed angel food cake, enhancing its texture and flavor. The juice from the canned pineapple replaces water in the cake mix, ensuring a delicate crumb and a delightful taste.
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of a pineapple upside-down cake, like our Honey Pineapple Upside Down Cake, featuring a honey glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Embrace the versatility and magic of canned pineapple in your baking adventures for delightful, flavorful results.
In the world of baking magic, the humble canned pineapple plays a vital role in preserving the sharp tang of its flavor. Its secret weapon? The perfectly round pineapple rings neatly packed in cans. “These golden yellow rings are the unsung heroes behind each flawless pineapple upside-down cake,” Castle reveals with a twinkle in her eye. “With their uniformity, we can artfully place them in rows at the base of our trusty black skillet, gently nestling them into a bed of sticky brown sugar and butter, secure in the knowledge that the vibrant maraschino cherries will find their designated spots with unwavering precision.”
Caitlin Bensel, along with the talented food stylist Torie Cox, dive into the world of dump cakes, where simplicity reigns supreme. The acidic punch of canned pineapple and its accompanying juices bring a bold dimension to these effortless treats that require little more than a quick dump-and-bake technique. In their Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake rendition, the pineapples slowly release their essence as the cake bakes, all while maintaining that classic upside-down cake appearance. Meanwhile, the Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake takes a similar approach but amps up the fruity goodness with crushed pineapple and an abundance of juicy cherries.
Step into the world of flavorful delights with these delectable dump cakes, as shared in the original article from Southern Living.
