Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Fit it with a rack in the middle. While that is going, grease a 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2
Using a small frying pan over medium heat melt the butter and sugar for the topping. Stir it frequently until combined and once the mix becomes bubbly and slightly brownish, it is done.
Step 3
This mix should be spread in the cake pan until it has an even layer on top of it. Let it cool for a moment before proceeding.
Step 4
Open the pineapple can and reserve ½ cup of the juice to use in the batter. Take the rings out and, after placing one ring in the center, place as many as you can around it. Make it symmetrical and pleasing, remember you will not be able to modify their position once it is baked.
Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. If you do not like them, skip this step. (I absolutely love them! Not only their taste but the pop of color they give.) Set the pan aside while you mix the batter.
Step 5
Grab a large bowl and combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt). Set it aside.
Step 6
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until it is nice and fluffy. It will take about 5 minutes on high speed.
Step 7
Add the eggs and continue beating until the mix is smooth.
Step 8
Using a sifter, add the dry ingredients in 3 batches. You should alternate it with ⅓ of the pineapple juice. In between, incorporate everything well. Do not add anything else until everything is well combined. Do this at low speed so as not to cover yourself with flour.
Mix for another minute at high speed.
Step 9
Pour the batter over the pineapple. It is a thick one, so do not worry if it does not fall down so easily. You can always use a big spoon and place it on top of the fruit. Spread it with an offset spatula and tap it to get rid of unnecessary bubbles.
Step 10
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. It should be golden brown and a cake tester should come out clean from the middle.
Step 11
Let it cool for 10 minutes on a rack (No more than that!) and put a plate on top of the pan and flip it. It is ready to serve!