Pineapple cake is a classic dessert that combines the freshness of pineapple with the softness of a dough that melts in your mouth. This detailed recipe will guide you through each step to create a delicious, perfectly balanced pineapple tart. Let’s immerse ourselves in the world of baking and create an unforgettable dessert that will delight your senses!
Ingredients:
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons of cold water
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in their juice
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 butter spoons
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
To Decorate (Optional):
- Cherries in syrup
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt.
- Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Don’t add too much water; the dough should be firm.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Filling
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the drained pineapple slices (reserve the juice), sugar, and lemon juice to the pan.
- Cook the pineapple slices until caramelized and golden on both sides. Remove the pineapple slices from the pan and let them cool.
- In the same skillet, add the cornstarch to the reserved pineapple juice and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
Step 3: Roll out and Bake the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Spread the shortcrust pastry in a previously greased cake pan.
- Bake the blank dough for 15 minutes. This means baking it without filling so that it retains its crunchy texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream, sugar, flour and egg until smooth and homogeneous.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Spread the creamy layer on the pre-baked dough.
- Place the caramelized pineapple slices on top of the creamy layer.
- Pour the thickened pineapple juice mixture over the pineapple slices.
Step 6: Bake and Decorate
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before removing it from the pan.
- Decorate the cake with cherries in syrup and mint leaves if you wish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut generous portions of this heavenly pineapple tart and serve.
- Enjoy this perfect mix of the crunchiness of the dough, the sweetness of the pineapple and the softness of the creamy layer!
Additional Tips:
- Fruit Variation: If you prefer, you can add other fruits such as kiwi, mango or strawberries to the cake to give it a fresher and more colorful touch.
- Add a Touch of Rum: If you like the taste of rum, you can stir a tablespoon of dark rum into the pineapple juice before adding the cornstarch for an additional touch of flavor.
- Be careful with the Caramel: When caramelizing the pineapple slices, be sure not to burn them. The caramel should be golden, not dark.
- Refrigeration: This cake tastes delicious when refrigerated, so let it cool in the refrigerator before serving for a more refreshing experience.
- Conservation: You can store the cake in the refrigerator for a few days. However, it probably won’t last long, as it will be hard to resist its irresistible flavor!
With this recipe, you will create a pineapple cake that melts in your mouth and becomes a gift for the senses. Perfect for special occasions or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!