These Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy pineapple and soft, fluffy cake. The caramelized brown sugar and butter add a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the cupcake.
The fun twist on a classic dessert makes these cupcakes an impressive treat to serve at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a unique addition to your summer party or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, these tropical mini cakes are sure to brighten your day with every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 can (8 oz) pineapple slices, drained
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10 maraschino cherries, drained
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup milk
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease with butter.
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In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Divide the mixture evenly among the bottom of the muffin cups.
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Place a pineapple slice in each muffin cup, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Spoon the batter evenly over the pineapple slices in each muffin cup.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the cupcakes onto a serving plate.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
The Origins of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Before diving into the specifics of this cupcake version, let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of the classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. This cake first gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s, during the height of pineapple’s popularity. It was around this time that canned pineapple became widely available, and people were eager to use it in various baked goods. The upside-down cake, with its caramelized fruit topping, quickly became a favorite dessert.
The recipe for Pineapple Upside-Down Cake often calls for pineapple rings placed at the bottom of the pan and then covered with a batter. After baking, the cake is inverted to reveal the beautifully caramelized pineapple topping. This simple yet elegant dessert became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. It remains a timeless classic to this day, with many different variations and twists on the original.
Why Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes?
The cupcake version of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake offers several advantages. First, cupcakes are individual portions, making them perfect for serving guests at parties or gatherings. Their small, bite-sized nature also makes them more convenient for busy people who want to enjoy the delicious combination of pineapple, cherries, and cake without the need to cut slices from a larger cake.
Additionally, cupcakes are a fun and festive dessert. You can easily customize them for different occasions by decorating them with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or other tropical fruits. Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are the perfect addition to summer parties, barbecues, or any event where you want to bring something sweet and tropical to the table.
The Beauty of the Pineapple Topping
One of the key elements that make Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes so special is the caramelized pineapple topping. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a rich, sweet sauce that soaks into the pineapple and gives it a gorgeous golden-brown color. When you invert the cupcake after baking, the pineapple slices are revealed in all their glory, creating a beautiful and eye-catching presentation.
The maraschino cherry placed in the center of each pineapple slice adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. These cherries have long been associated with tropical desserts and add a nostalgic charm to the cupcakes. When the cupcakes are inverted, the glossy cherries sit perfectly on top of the caramelized pineapple, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a barbecue, or having a casual get-together, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests. They’re also an excellent choice for potlucks, bake sales, or any event where you need to bring a dessert that’s easy to transport and serve.
These cupcakes are also a great way to add a tropical twist to your dessert table. They’re fun, colorful, and full of flavor, making them the ideal choice for summer parties or any occasion that calls for a bright, cheerful dessert.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
To ensure your Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Flavor: While canned pineapple works well for this recipe, using fresh pineapple can add an extra burst of flavor. Simply cut the fresh pineapple into rings or small pieces, depending on your preference.
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Ensure the Muffin Tin is Well-Greased: Since these cupcakes are inverted after baking, it’s important to grease the muffin tin thoroughly. This will prevent the caramelized topping from sticking to the pan and ensure that your cupcakes come out cleanly.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: When making the batter for the cupcakes, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined for light and fluffy results.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your ingredients, such as butter, milk, and eggs, are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.
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Cool Before Inverting: After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a plate. This helps the caramelized topping set, making it easier to remove the cupcakes from the pan without ruining the presentation.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
There are many reasons why Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are a must-try dessert. For one, they combine the classic flavors of pineapple and maraschino cherries with a soft, moist cupcake base, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and texture. The caramelized topping adds an indulgent touch, making each cupcake a little bite of tropical heaven.
These cupcakes are also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by adding other fruits, such as mango or coconut, or even by topping them with whipped cream or frosting for an extra layer of sweetness. The possibilities are endless, and you can make these cupcakes your own by experimenting with different flavors and toppings.
Moreover, these cupcakes are incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional layered cakes, you don’t need to worry about frosting or decorating a large cake. Simply bake the cupcakes, invert them, and enjoy! Their individual size also makes them perfect for portion control, so you can easily share them with friends and family.
Conclusion
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are a delightful and fun twist on a classic dessert. They take the traditional Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and transform it into a portable, individual-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a sweet snack, or simply indulging in a tropical dessert, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With their rich caramelized topping, tender cake, and nostalgic maraschino cherries, Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are a true crowd-pleaser. So, why not treat yourself and your guests to these tropical delights at your next gathering?