Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert by combining the juicy sweetness of caramelized pineapple with a buttery, moist cake in perfectly portioned cupcakes. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion and versatile enough for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Topping
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
- Fresh or canned pineapple rings – 12 rings (or slices to fit cupcake liners)
Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
- Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Baking powder – 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt – a pinch
- Eggs – 2 large
- Milk or buttermilk – 1/2 cup
- Butter (melted) – 4 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Prepare the Topping: Melt the butter and brown sugar together in a small bowl until caramelized and smooth. Spoon this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, then place a pineapple ring or slice on top to create the caramelized pineapple base.
- Mix the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently just until blended, avoiding overmixing.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Carefully spoon the batter over the pineapple in each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert each cupcake onto a wire rack or plate to reveal the beautiful caramelized pineapple topping.
Notes
- Use juicy pineapple (fresh or canned) for better caramelization.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Line the pan well with cupcake liners or grease it liberally to prevent sticking during flipping.
- Allow cupcakes to cool briefly before flipping to avoid topping sticking to the pan.
- Adjust sugar and butter amounts to taste preference for sweeter or less rich cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pineapple upside-down cupcakes, caramelized pineapple, quick cupcakes, moist cupcakes, tropical dessert