Ever wished you could bring a piece of Disneyland’s delicious magic home with you? Well, now’s your chance! The talented chefs at Disneyland Resort are sharing a special recipe, straight from Plaza Inn, and it’s something truly heartwarming.

This amazing Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake is part of the ‘Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes’ event, happening from June 19 to July 19 at the resort. This celebration truly highlights Black heritage and culture through incredible music, art, and of course, fantastic food!

Chef Michela Gilchrist, the brilliant mind behind this cake, found her inspiration right in her grandfather’s kitchen. She often shares how special his cooking is to her, explaining that ‘every recipe carries the love, culture, and tradition that shaped who I am today.’ It’s more than just food; it’s a legacy.

Through his recipes, Chef Michela inherited so much more than just flavors. She embraced tradition, identity, and a deep sense of love. From her grandfather’s kitchen, she learned a powerful truth: ‘every recipe tells a story, and those stories became part of who I am.’ How beautiful is that?

The pineapple upside-down cake, though gaining wide popularity in the 20th century, holds a particularly special place in many Black households. It’s incredible how simple, affordable ingredients transformed into something joyful and abundant. This wasn’t just a dessert; it was a staple at Sunday dinners, holidays, and family gatherings, becoming a sweet expression of community and togetherness.

This recipe makes 12 individual cakes, making them perfect for sharing with friends or bringing to your next summer party! A little insider tip: the pineapple juice in the cake batter is key – it adds an incredible tenderness and just the right touch of sweetness. If you’re using canned pineapple for the topping, don’t throw out that juice; save it and add it directly to your batter for extra flavor!

Honestly, all this talk of cake is making my stomach rumble! Let’s get straight to the recipe, shall we?

This recipe makes 12 servings.

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups diced fresh or canned pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice
• whipped cream, for serving
• 12 maraschino cherries, for serving

For the Topping:

1. Grease 12 mini bundt or muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Stir brown sugar and melted butter together in a small bowl. Place 2 teaspoons of butter mixture in the bottom of each muffin cup.
3. Place 2 1/2 tablespoons diced pineapple and 2 teaspoons chopped maraschino cherries on top of butter mixture in each muffin cup. Set aside.

For the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla and mix for 1 minute on medium speed.
5. Reduce speed to low. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/2 of the pineapple juice. Repeat until all pineapple juice and flour are used.
6. Pour batter evenly over the diced pineapple and butter in muffin tins.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.
8. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully flip muffin tin over to remove cakes. Top each cake with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Are you making this wonderful dessert at home? Share your culinary creations with #DisneyEats. We can’t wait to see your homemade slice of Disneyland magic!