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Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

These Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes offer a delightful tropical twist on the classic dessert. Each cupcake features a moist, tender cake topped with caramelized pineapple slices and cherries, creating a sweet, tangy, and buttery flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and beautifully presented, they serve as ideal individual treats that are sure to impress family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 10 pineapple slices or equivalent pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 10 maraschino cherries

Cake Batter

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk (plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Topping: Melt softened unsalted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl. Spoon a little of this caramel mixture into each cupcake liner to form the base layer. Arrange one pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry in the center of each liner.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter gently over the pineapple and caramel mixture in each cupcake liner, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool and Invert: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully flip each cupcake onto a wire rack or platter so the caramelized pineapple and cherry topping faces upward.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cupcakes warm or at room temperature. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the tropical flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple slices for a brighter, fresher flavor, or canned pineapple for convenience.
  • Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full to prevent batter overflow and ensure even baking.
  • Rotate the cupcake pan halfway through baking for an evenly golden crust.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor and texture.
  • Let cupcakes cool before flipping to avoid the caramel topping sticking to the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes, tropical cupcakes, caramelized pineapple, individual desserts, easy cupcake recipe