Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes 🍍✨

These Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. Each cupcake is topped with a caramelized layer of buttery brown sugar, juicy pineapple chunks, and a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and sweetness. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a fun and nostalgic treat, these cupcakes are as delicious as they are adorable!

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Miniature Magic : The single-serving size makes them perfect for sharing or portion control.
2. Sweet & Buttery : The caramelized topping adds a rich, indulgent flavor.
3. Nostalgic Treat : A fun and modern take on the classic pineapple upside-down cake.
4. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable.
5. Customizable : Add nuts, spices, or different fruits for extra flair.

Ingredients

(Makes 12 cupcakes)

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted 🧈
• ½ cup brown sugar , packed 🫒
• 12 maraschino cherries , halved 🍒
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (or crushed pineapple, drained ) 🍍

For the Cupcake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 🥣
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🌾
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 🌾
• ¼ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
• ¾ cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 2 large eggs , room temperature 🥚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• ½ cup buttermilk , room temperature 🥛

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, spreading it thinly across the bottom of each cup.
3. Place a pineapple chunk (or a spoonful of crushed pineapple) in the center of each cup.
4. Top each pineapple piece with a maraschino cherry half , cut side down.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , and salt .
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes , or until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs , one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract .
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk (begin and end with the dry ingredients ). Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Spoon the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry toppings in the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full .

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
   • Tip : If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Flip

1. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes .
2. Carefully flip the cupcakes onto a cooling rack or plate, gently removing the liners. The pineapple and cherry topping will now be on top.

Step 7: Serve

1. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before serving.
2. Optionally, garnish with additional cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Pineapple : For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned if available.
2. Add Nuts : Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the brown sugar mixture for added crunch.
3. Make Ahead : Store the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days .
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. Switch Up the Fruit : Try mango chunks, peach slices, or mandarin oranges for a tropical twist.

Perfect Pairings

These Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream : Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, Approx.)

(Based on 12 cupcakes)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~3g
• Carbohydrates : ~35g
• Fat : ~12g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are a sweet, buttery, and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a casual snack, a holiday celebration, or a sweet treat anytime, these cupcakes deliver on taste and charm. The combination of caramelized pineapple, juicy cherries, and soft cake creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delightful.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your muffin tin, melt that butter, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.