Pineapple Upside Down Rolls Recipe
Pineapple Upside Down Rolls offer a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake, combining the caramelized pineapple topping with soft, fluffy rolls. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch and adds a touch of tropical sweetness to your table.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple rings, drained (reserve juice)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This caramel mixture will form the base of your topping.
- Pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the pineapple rings over the caramel, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring if desired.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. You may need a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up over the pineapple rings in the baking dish.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Cover the baking dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up and almost doubled in size.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the dish onto a serving platter. The caramelized pineapple topping should be on top of the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel topping before baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling.
These Pineapple Upside Down Rolls are a delicious and impressive treat that combines the best elements of a classic cake and a soft roll. Enjoy the sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors in every bite!
