Follow these clear, simple steps to create your Pineapple Upside-Down Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt Butter: In the cake pan, melt 1/4 cup of butter in the oven.
3. Add Brown Sugar: Once melted, remove the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
4. Arrange Pineapples: Lay the drained pineapple slices over the sugar mixture. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring if desired.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
6. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
8. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
9. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged pineapple and sugar mixture in the pan.
10. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Flip: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate so the pineapple is on top.
12. Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing.

These steps make your Pineapple Upside-Down Cake not only easy to bake but also worth every minute spent in the kitchen.