Print

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

These Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. Individual-sized and topped with sweet pineapple chunks caramelized in brown sugar and butter, these cupcakes are finished with a cloud of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a perfect party treat or a tropical-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake and Topping

  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice
  • 1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup (2.7 oz) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (2.6 oz) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (5 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (5.6 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 maraschino cherries

Sweetened Whipped Cream

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 12 muffin cups generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain Pineapple and Prepare Caramel Mixture: Drain both cans of pineapple chunks, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice for the batter. Place the pineapple chunks on several layers of paper towels to drain thoroughly. Melt 1/3 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the packed light brown sugar until fully combined.
  3. Assemble Pineapple Topping in Muffin Cups: Divide the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly among the 12 muffin wells, placing about 2 teaspoons in each. Arrange approximately 5 pineapple chunks on top of the sugar mixture in each cup, trying to create a tight arrangement for a floral effect. You might not need all the pineapple chunks depending on their size.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients for Batter: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients to Batter: Using the paddle attachment, add the 1/4 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice to the dry ingredients. Mix at medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl for thorough mixing.
  6. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Evenly divide the batter over the pineapple layers in the muffin cups, covering them completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Invert Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen them. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the muffin pan, then carefully flip the pan and rack together to invert the cupcakes onto the rack. Let them cool completely.
  9. Prepare Sweetened Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer with whisk attachment), whip the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
  10. Pipe Whipped Cream and Garnish: Just before serving, pipe or dollop the sweetened whipped cream over each cooled cupcake and top each with a maraschino cherry for a colorful, classic finish.

Notes

  • Draining the pineapple chunks well is essential to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
  • You can adjust the amount of brown sugar and butter mixture on top depending on your sweetness preference.
  • If pineapple chunks are large, fewer per cupcake may be best to fit the pan.
  • Make sure to let cupcakes cool completely before adding whipped cream to prevent it from melting.
  • These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Pineapple upside down cupcakes, pineapple cupcakes, individual pineapple cakes, tropical cupcakes, upside down cake, pineapple dessert

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/pineapple-upside-down-cupcakes-recipe/