Ingredients
1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup safflower or other neutral-flavored oil
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
7 slices fresh pineapple (each 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter)
1/4 cup pecans
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add oil and milk; beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined.
Melt butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring, until moistened. Remove from heat; arrange pineapple and pecans on top. Pour batter evenly over top and smooth with a spatula.
Bake until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of cake, then carefully invert onto a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with cherries if desired.
