Creating the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake can be fulfilling if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: In a 9-inch round cake pan or skillet, melt the butter gently over low heat. Remove from heat and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
3. Arrange Pineapple: Place the drained pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar mixture. If desired, place maraschino cherries in the centers of the pineapple rings or around them.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice (if using), milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix; a few lumps are okay.
7. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple layer in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate while still warm.
10. Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll be on your way to creating this delectable cake effortlessly.