Pineapple Upside Down Cake meets Monkey Bread in a deliciously sweet, naturally juicy combination!
I saw a quote the other day that got me thinking:
It’s not that I’ve never thought about this before….but more that I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. About the life I’m living and the message I’m sending to the world. It’s interesting how quotes can speak to us differently at different times in our life. How they can leave us feeling a certain way about our choices and our actions. If you had shown me this quote 5 years ago, when I was working as a campus minister at an all-girls’ Catholic high school, I would have said that my life was definitely inspiring. After all, I was planning retreats, community service, and social justice projects for high schoolers. What could be more inspiring than that?
But if you asked the people closest to me, they would tell you I wasn’t really happy. I wasn’t really content. I was feeling drained. And overextended. And I was starting to feel inauthentic. Sure, the work that I was doing was important. And, of course, I felt good about it! But it wasn’t what I needed to be doing. So I did what was right for me (so what if it took me 2+ years to finally make a move…) – I quit! And now, more than 3 years later, here I am making food and writing about it. Inspiring? Questionable.
But here’s the deal: I don’t really care! I have realized, over time, that it doesn’t so much matter what other people see or think about the choices I make. Because they don’t know what all is behind it! It doesn’t so much matter if my message to the world is “inspiring”….unless it makes ME come alive! Because, at the end of the day, me being ALIVE is worth a lot!
Me being alive – fully alive – means that I’m happy. And energized. And doing something that makes me feel content. Which I AM!! I love making food and sharing it with family and friends…and, of course, with all of you! I especially love when I can share something I know you’ll love as much as I do….like this Pineapple Upside Down Monkey Bread! Everything about it – from the bright yellow pineapple to the delicious sauce that’s created from its juices – will make you come alive! It will make you happy….and content….and there’s NOTHING more important (or valuable) than that!
Pineapple Upside Down Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 2 16 ounce cans Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, chopped
Instructions
- Unroll biscuits and cut into sixths.
- Pour 1/4 cup granulated sugar into gallon-size Ziploc bag, add cut biscuits, and shake to coat.
- Melt butter, brown sugar and vanilla over low heat. Pour into a greased 12-cup bundt pan.
- Add chopped pineapple, spreading evenly over melted butter & brown sugar mixture.
- Top with sugar-coated biscuit dough.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 min or until golden brown.
- Remove bread from oven and cool 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 452Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 533mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 2gSugar: 21gProtein: 6g
Meaghan Voigt says
I loved your post today, Cathy! You SHOULD be doing what makes you your best self, and I’m glad you are! And, as my friend…you are amazing! You inspire me to be my best self. xoxo!
Yum…pineapple! Toasted coconut would also be a good add to this recipe!
Cathy Trochelman says
Awwwww thank you Meaghan! I’ve loved all our talks about life and friendship and big decisions…..you inspire me, too! Love you, friend!!
Jess says
Love this post and the quote! I couldn’t agree more! We have to find our way to live our passion, life to the fullest and owe it to ourselves to be happy! Sometimes the toughest choices are most fulfilling!!! So happy to hear you are doing what you love, you can tell because you are fantastic at it! And, this recipe reflects it! Bright, cheery and looks delicious! This would be perfect for Easter! Thanks for sharing!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks so much for ALL your support, Jess! I’m so happy we found one another and have truly loved getting to know you and keeping up with one another…..I can always count on you to put a smile on my face on a bad day!!
Andi+@+The+Weary+Chef says
I think what you do IS inspiring, Cathy. You are a wonderful writer, cook, and photographer! You inspire me to keep at it and eat more dessert 🙂 I’m so glad you have found what makes you happy. P.S. This pineapple monkey bread makes me happy!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Andi! I definitely feel like I’ve found something that makes me happy and I LOVE that I can share it with other people! So glad we’ve met….you are a wonderful encourager and friend!!
Daine+Roark says
Cathy,
This looks like a great cross between monkey bread and a pineapple upside down cake. SO YUMMY!
Blessings,
Diane Roark
I pinned it!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks so much, Diane! It almost seems like the two were meant to go together!! 🙂
Emily says
Holy yumminess! We love monkey bread and I adore pineapple so I’ll definitely have to try this!
Jamie+@+Love+Bakes+Good+Cakes says
I totally know where you’re coming from and I totally agree! Who knew blogging would open doors to things that we never even knew existed? Nothing in this world can replace the happiness and pure joy that comes from doing something you truly enjoy and love doing! For the record, I do think you’re an inspiration to a whole lot of people – I love your blog and am glad to call you a friend! 🙂
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