Summertime Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Ben Mims
EL SEGUNDO, CA - THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2023 - A slice of a Pineapple Upside Down Cake toped with whipped cream and cherry compote, photographed in the LAT Test Kitchen. The batter is spread over the pineapple in the baking tray. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)
A summer-y pineapple-upside down cake is that much easier to make when you use pre-cut fruit. Top it with whipped cream and cherry compote. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Almond paste adds moisture and flavor to a dense cake that bakes atop a layer of fragrant cut pineapple, from a deli container for extra convenience.