Grizzly Paw Smokers Upside-Down Pineapple Cake

Smoky, sweet, and packed with rich caramelized flavor—this Upside-Down Pineapple Cake is perfect for your next backyard barbecue.

Ingredients

For the Topping: Upside-Down Pineapple Cake

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup smoked brown sugar (or regular brown sugar)

• 2 Tbsp bourbon (optional, but recommended)

• 8–10 pineapple rings

• Maraschino cherries (one per pineapple ring)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapples)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a warm, smoky touch)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Smoker

• Set your pellet grill or smoker to 350°F. Use a mild fruitwood (like cherry, apple, or pecan) for a light, sweet smoke.

2. Prepare the Cast Iron Pan

• Pour the melted butter into a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

• Evenly sprinkle the smoked brown sugar over the butter.

• Drizzle the bourbon over the sugar.

• Arrange the pineapple rings on top, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.

3. Mix the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

• In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and pineapple juice until smooth.

• Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don't overmix).

4. Assemble & Smoke

• Gently pour the batter over the pineapple topping, spreading evenly.

• Place the cast iron pan on the smoker grates.

5. Smoke & Bake

• Close the lid and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Slice and serve warm with a scoop of smoked vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce.

🔥 Grizzly Paw Pro Tip: Add a handful of wood chips directly onto the coals for extra smoky flavor!

Would you like any tweaks to this? Maybe a special Grizzly Paw Smokers signature touch? 😎🔥

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