why make this recipe
These Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are sweet, simple, and fun. They give you the classic upside-down cake in a single-serve size. You can make them for parties, kids, or a quick dessert. They bake fast and look bright with pineapple and cherries. For another small-cake idea, try a rich brownie version like this brownie cupcakes recipe.
introduction
This recipe turns a boxed pineapple cake mix into neat little cupcakes with a sticky, fruity topping. You will use crushed pineapple, brown sugar, melted butter, and a maraschino cherry for each cupcake. The steps are easy and the result is moist, tasty cupcakes that flip out with a glossy top. If you want a fall-flavor spin later, you can look at ideas for caramel apple cupcakes ideas.
how to make Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Follow these steps. Work in order and keep things simple.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 24 muffin cups with cooking spray.
- Place 1 teaspoon of melted butter into each muffin cup. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top of the butter, then press a maraschino cherry into the center. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of crushed pineapple over the cherry and brown sugar mixture, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple cake mix, reserved pineapple juice, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them, then carefully invert the muffin tin onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops of the cupcakes with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Be gentle when you press the pineapple layer so it stays neat. For more chocolate-cupcake tips, read this German chocolate cupcakes guide.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup melted butter (for the topping)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (for the topping)
- 24 maraschino cherries
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 1 (18.25 oz) package pineapple cake mix (such as Duncan Hines® Pineapple Supreme)
- 1 1/3 cups pineapple juice (reserved from the crushed pineapple)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray 24 muffin cups with cooking spray.
- Place 1 teaspoon of melted butter into each muffin cup. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top of the butter, then press a maraschino cherry into the center. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of crushed pineapple over the cherry and brown sugar mixture, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple cake mix, reserved pineapple juice, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them, then carefully invert the muffin tin onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the tops of the cupcakes with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
how to serve Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Serve them warm or at room temperature. Place a cupcake on a small plate with a napkin. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They look nice with a little extra cherry on top.
how to store Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
- Drain the pineapple well so the topping does not get too wet.
- Press the pineapple and cherry gently so the topping stays even.
- Let the cupcakes cool 5 minutes before inverting; they will hold their shape better.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- If you like extra shine, brush a thin layer of warmed apricot jam on top after cooling.
- For a quick party plan, make them the day before and refrigerate overnight.
- For more small-cake ideas, you can compare methods with the brownie cupcakes recipe to learn different topping tricks.
variation (if any)
- Mini version: Use a mini muffin pan and reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes.
- Tropical mix: Add a small piece of fresh mango with the pineapple.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pineapple cake mix.
- Boozy twist: Mix 1 tablespoon of rum into the cake batter for adult flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pineapple rings instead of crushed pineapple?
A: Yes. Trim them to fit, place one ring and a cherry in each cup, and top with batter. Watch bake time closely.
Q: Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?
A: No. You can use a homemade pineapple cake batter, but follow the same batter volume so cups fill about 2/3 full.
Q: How do I keep the topping from sticking to the pan?
A: Use melted butter and brown sugar as the recipe says. Let cupcakes cool 5 minutes, then run a knife around edges before inverting.
Q: Can I skip the cherries?
A: Yes. The cupcake still tastes great without the maraschino cherry.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Bake and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before serving or warm gently.
Conclusion
If you want another version of this treat, check this detailed take on pineapple upside-down cupcakes from Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes | The Girl Who Ate Everything. For a very simple recipe with clear photos, see the easy guide at Easiest Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes – Baking Beauty. You can also compare notes with a popular user-tested recipe on Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes Recipe – Allrecipes.