Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Name: Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 24 maraschino cherries; 20 oz can crushed pineapple (reserve juice); 15.25 oz package yellow cake mix; Vegetable oil and eggs (as per cake mix instructions); 1 1/3 cups pineapple juice

Published: June 1, 2025

by Sofia

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Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. These mini cakes feature a luscious blend of crushed pineapple, sweet brown sugar caramel, and a cherry on top. Perfect for parties or just because, these cupcakes bring tropical vibes to any occasion and are incredibly easy to make using a cake mix. With their moist texture and mega pineapple flavor, they are sure to impress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Using a cake mix simplifies the process, allowing you to whip these up in no time.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, and cherries creates an unforgettable taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these cupcakes fit right in.
Individual Servings: Mini cupcakes make serving effortless and cater to all ages.
Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or flavors for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Muffin tin
Cooking spray
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Muffin tin: Essential for creating the perfect cupcake shape, ensuring even baking.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, making it easy to release your delicious creations from the tin.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes stuffed with crushed pineapple, brown sugar caramel, and a cherry on top! Easy cupcakes made from a cake mix with mega pineapple flavor.

For the Topping

Cooking spray
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
24 maraschino cherries
20 oz can crushed pineapple (reserve juice)

For the Cupcake Batter

15.25 oz package yellow cake mix
Vegetable oil and eggs per cake mix instructions
1 1/3 cups pineapple juice

Optional

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking once you start baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Spray 24 muffin cups with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Line your work surface with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Create the Topping Mixture

Add 1 tsp of melted butter into each muffin cup.
Follow this by adding 1 tbsp of brown sugar into each cup.
Place one cherry in the center of each cup.
Top each with a heaping tablespoon of crushed pineapple.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Prepare the cake batter according to box instructions. Use pineapple juice instead of water for added flavor.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Pour batter into prepared muffin cups, filling them almost to the top for best results.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert them onto parchment paper to release. Optionally dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!

How to Serve Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cupcake experience.

Classic Presentation

Serve Warm: Enjoy these cupcakes warm right out of the oven for a gooey, caramel flavor.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and sweetness.

Festive Touches

Garnish with Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
Sprinkle with Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes can add texture and tropical vibes to your cupcakes.

Drink Pairings

Pair with Pineapple Juice: A cold glass of pineapple juice complements the flavors perfectly.
Serve with Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea balances the sweetness of the cupcakes beautifully.

Dessert Platter

Include Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside sliced fresh fruits like strawberries or kiwi for a colorful dessert display.
Add Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cupcakes can create an enticing contrast.

How to Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

To make truly delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and real butter for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Skimp on Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds richness—make sure to use enough in each cup.
Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cupcakes; baking times may vary based on your oven.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld properly.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crushed nuts or flavored frostings for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Serving side dishes with your Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options.

Coconut Rice: A side of coconut rice pairs well, enhancing the tropical flavors of the cupcakes.
Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken adds protein and freshness to your meal.
Tropical Fruit Salad: Mix mango, kiwi, and berries for a refreshing side that complements the sweetness.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet cupcakes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm cupcakes for an indulgent treat.
Savory Quinoa Salad: This healthy option adds texture and balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Using Enough Butter: Skimping on butter can lead to dry cupcakes. Make sure to use the full amount of melted butter for a moist texture.
Ignoring the Pineapple Juice: Using water instead of pineapple juice for the cake mix will reduce the flavor. Always replace water with pineapple juice for an enhanced taste.
Overfilling Muffin Cups: Filling muffin cups too high can cause the batter to overflow. Fill them just below the rim to allow room for rising.
Skipping Cooling Time: Inverting the cupcakes too soon can lead to a mess. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before flipping.
Not Dusting with Sugar: Forgetting to dust with confectioners’ sugar can make the presentation bland. A light dusting adds an appealing touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
item Keep cupcakes at room temperature for best flavor.

Freezing Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

item Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
item They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cupcakes for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cupcake on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers some common queries about Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure it’s finely chopped and that you reserve enough juice to substitute in your cake mix.

How do I make mini Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes?

You can follow this recipe using a mini muffin tin. Adjust baking time as needed, usually around 12-15 minutes.

Are Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes gluten-free?

To make these cupcakes gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version while ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add coconut to my Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Adding shredded coconut enhances flavor and texture. Mix some into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various fruits or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you serve them at parties or enjoy them as a treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!