Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes – A Delightfully Tropical
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes combine sweet pineapple rings, bright cherries, buttery brown sugar caramel, and tender vanilla cake into a delightful handheld dessert. These miniature cakes offer all the flavors of the classic pineapple upside-down cake while being easier to serve and enjoy. The caramelized fruit topping creates a beautiful presentation, making them perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Their moist texture and tropical sweetness appeal to both children and adults. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, these cupcakes are a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 6 pineapple rings, cut into halves
- 12 maraschino cherries
For the Cupcake Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
Prepare the Muffin Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly.Spoon a small amount of melted butter into each cup.Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Add the Fruit
- Place a pineapple half in each muffin cup.Position a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple piece.
Prepare the Batter
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.Beat in eggs one at a time.Add vanilla extract.Alternate adding dry ingredients with pineapple juice and milk.Mix until just combined.
Fill and Bake
- Spoon batter over the fruit mixture.Fill each cup about three-quarters full.Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Invert the Cupcakes
- Allow cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes.Carefully run a knife around the edges.Invert onto a baking sheet or wire rack.Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use canned pineapple packed in juice for best results.
- Do not overfill the muffin cups.
- Invert cupcakes while still warm.
- Fresh pineapple can be used if thinly sliced.
- Silicone muffin pans release cupcakes easily.
- Maraschino cherries add classic color and sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve slightly warm for maximum flavor.