Pineapple cake

Fluffy Pineapple Cake - A Quick and Delicious Treat

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

The history of fruit cakes brings to mind moments of celebration and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Fruit cakes are quintessentially desserts that combine freshness with sweetness, and pineapple, with its intense and juicy flavor, is a perfect ingredient for creating a fluffy and soft cake. I will present you with a simple and quick recipe that will bring you joy in every slice.

Ingredients:
- 5 small eggs
- 175 g sugar
- The pulp of a vanilla bean
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g cornstarch
- 1 packet baking powder
- 200 ml sunflower oil (or melted butter for an even richer taste)
- 200 ml canned pineapple juice
- 7 slices of pineapple for decoration
- Oil and sugar for greasing the pan

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the eggs:
Start by cracking the 5 eggs into a saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well. Heat the mixture over low heat, at about 40 degrees, until it becomes warm. Check the temperature with your finger, ensuring you don't burn yourself. This step is essential for pasteurizing the eggs, eliminating the risk of bacteria.

2. Beating the eggs:
After the mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into a cold bowl and use a mixer on high speed to beat the eggs for about 10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a stiff and airy foam, which will make the cake fluffy and light.

3. Adding flavors:
Once you have the foam, add the vanilla pulp, grated lemon zest, sifted flour with cornstarch, and baking powder. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture, then gradually incorporate the oil (or melted butter) and pineapple juice. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Preparing the pan:
Grease a springform pan with a little oil and sugar, ensuring it is evenly covered. This step will help the cake not to stick.

5. Adding the pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices at the bottom of the greased pan. They will add a touch of freshness and an attractive look to the cake.

6. Baking:
Carefully pour the cake mixture over the pineapple slices and place the pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cake over, using a knife to prevent sticking, and leave it in the oven for another 15 minutes until it becomes golden and browned on top.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. After it has completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and moisten the pineapple slices with a little water to make them more appealing.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. A cup of fruit tea or a glass of homemade lemonade would perfectly complement this dessert.

Practical tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Ensure the eggs are fresh for a better foam.
- Replace canned pineapple with fresh pineapple for an even more intense flavor.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, for a delicious variation.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 220 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 10 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of oil?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or melted butter for a different taste.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

3. What other fruits can I use?
Besides pineapple, you can try cherries, peaches, or even berries, which add a touch of acidity.

4. How can I make the cake healthier?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

This pineapple cake is not only a delicious choice but also a healthy option due to the rich vitamin content of pineapple. Enjoy every slice and cherish the companionship of friends and family around the table! Bon appétit and happy cooking!