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Tropical upside-down pineapple cake

Dietitian Rachel Scoular

Turns out you can have your cake and eat it too

A slice of pineapple cake served on a plate next the the full cake
A slice of pineapple cake served on a plate next the the full cake

This healthier take on an old-fashioned favourite lets you have your cake and eat it too! In the original recipe, icing is normally high in sugar and often has little nutritional value, so we’ve curbed that by turning the cake on its head… literally!

The pineapple slices make a great sweet addition and work well with the coconut. Using Greek yoghurt also helps bring the total fat content down without sacrificing taste or texture.

It you end up with leftovers, pop the cake into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. This cake can also be frozen for up to two months if wrapped tightly in cling wrap. To defrost, leave it in the fridge overnight.

Serves: 1 cake equates to 12 slices
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 35 – 40 mins

Credit: nib health insurance

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 can pineapple slices, drained

  • 1 cup Greek yoghurt

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 eggs

  • 1½ cup flour

  • 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

  • 2 tsp baking powder

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C (fan forced).

  2. 2

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup and cinnamon together. Spread evenly across bottom of a 20cm square pan. Arrange pineapple slices over the top of mixture.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yoghurt, olive oil, honey and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking well until combined.

  4. 4

    Add in flour, desiccated coconut and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined.

  5. 5

    Pour batter over your pineapple-lined baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Loosen sides of cake from pan with a knife. Invert cake onto serving platter; let stand five minutes before removing pan. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Want to make it gluten free? Substitute the flour for 1½ cups almond meal.
Want to make it dairy free? Substitute the butter for coconut oil and the yogurt for coconut yoghurt.

Looking for more easy recipes?

We’ve put together a range of quick and easy meal ideas, from one-pan dinners to healthy sweet treats and nourishing brekkie bowls. Check out our full recipe library for more.

Nutritional info

Per serving

Kilojules827kj or 198cal
Fat Total9.4g
Protein5.5g
Saturated Fat3.0g
Carbohydrates Total22.0g
Sodium82mg
Sugars Total9.2g
A portrait of Rachel Scoular in her kitchen

Dietitian Rachel Scoular

Rachel Scoular is a leading Australian APD Dietitian and Nutritionist with a wealth of experience in the food industry and media. Rachel is passionate about helping people look and feel their best and she is motivated to always equip and empower individuals with quality nutrition advice. Find out more at www.rachelscoular.com