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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained - 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice - 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved In baking, the right ingredients make all the difference. For these pineapple upside-down cupcakes, you need basic baking staples and some fruity goodness. First, you’ll need all-purpose flour to give the cupcakes structure. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help them rise. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. The star here is the unsalted butter. It adds a rich taste and helps create a fluffy texture. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor. The eggs bind everything together, adding moisture and richness. Vanilla extract brings warmth and enhances the other flavors. Crushed pineapple adds sweetness and moisture, while fresh pineapple juice gives a refreshing burst. Finally, the maraschino cherries add a fun, colorful touch. They sit at the bottom of each cupcake, creating a delightful surprise when you bite in. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to whip up a batch of these delicious cupcakes! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to ensuring your cupcakes bake evenly. While the oven heats, line your muffin tin with fun, colorful cupcake liners. This not only adds cheer but also makes cleanup easy. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. This mix gives your cupcakes the right rise and flavor. Set it aside for later. - Combine softened butter and brown sugar; cream until light and fluffy. In a large bowl, combine half a cup of softened butter and one cup of packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together. You want this mix to be light and fluffy. This step adds sweetness and richness to your cupcakes. - Incorporate eggs one at a time; add vanilla extract. Next, add two large eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Then, stir in one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor of your cupcakes, making them extra tasty. - Fold in dry mixture, alternating with crushed pineapple and juice. Now, slowly fold in your dry mixture from the previous step. Alternate adding the dry mix with half a cup of drained crushed pineapple and a quarter cup of fresh pineapple juice. Be gentle while mixing to keep your batter light and airy. - Place cherries and crushed pineapple in liners; pour in batter. At the bottom of each cupcake liner, place a few halved maraschino cherries and a spoonful of crushed pineapple. This creates a fruity surprise at the bottom. Then, carefully spoon the batter over the fruit, filling each liner about two-thirds full. - Bake for 18-20 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Bake your cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Let them cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack with the fruit side up. This allows them to cool completely while showing off that beautiful topping. - How to prevent overmixing for a lighter cupcake: Mix your ingredients gently. After adding the dry mix, fold it in with a spatula. Stop as soon as you see no dry flour. This keeps the batter light and fluffy. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense. - Importance of accurate measuring: Always use measuring cups and spoons. Too much flour or sugar can change the texture. Spoon the flour into your cup, then level it off with a knife for precision. This small step ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly. - Lightly dust with powdered sugar: After cooling, use a fine sieve to sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This simple touch adds elegance and a sweet hint. - Garnish ideas: fresh pineapple and mint: Top each cupcake with a slice of fresh pineapple. Add a sprig of mint for color and freshness. This makes your cupcakes pop and enhances the tropical vibe. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pineapple and high-quality maraschino cherries. This will enhance the tropical taste of your cupcakes. Do Not Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so keep it light and airy. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cupcakes a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when they are ready. Cool Upside Down: Letting the cupcakes cool with the fruit side up will prevent them from sticking to the liners and makes for a beautiful presentation. {{image_4}} You can make these cupcakes even more fun. Here are two exciting ideas: - Coconut Cream Pineapple Cupcakes: Add shredded coconut to the batter. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. This gives your cupcakes a tropical twist. You will love the sweet coconut flavor. It pairs perfectly with pineapple. - Chocolate Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes: Mix cocoa powder into the batter. This adds a rich chocolate taste. The chocolate and pineapple combo is surprising and delicious. Top with chocolate frosting for extra flair. You can enjoy these cupcakes in different ways. Here are some options to fit your needs: - Gluten-free substitutes: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. Your cupcakes will stay light and fluffy. - Vegan alternatives: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil in place of butter. This keeps your cupcakes moist and tasty. To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will stop air from drying them out. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. For best taste, eat them within three days. Keep your cupcakes at room temperature. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you want to save your cupcakes for later, you can freeze them. First, let the cupcakes cool completely. Then, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the microwave for a warm treat. Enjoy your tasty cupcakes anytime! Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week that way. Just remember to let them warm up at room temperature before serving. This keeps the texture nice. These cupcakes shine when paired with ice cream. Vanilla or coconut ice cream works best. The cold creaminess complements the sweet pineapple. You can also serve them with fresh tropical fruits. Slices of kiwi or mango add a colorful touch. Consider a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. To keep your cupcakes moist, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Overmixing can lead to dry cupcakes. Also, make sure to use room-temperature butter. This helps create a fluffy texture. Lastly, avoid overbaking. Check them with a toothpick around 18 minutes. You can use fresh pineapple, but it requires more work. Fresh pineapple has a brighter flavor. However, you need to prepare it by peeling and chopping it. Canned pineapple is convenient and saves time. Just be sure to drain it well. This prevents excess moisture in the batter. Both options work, so choose what you prefer! In this blog post, we explored delicious pineapple cupcakes. We talked about key ingredients and easy steps to bake them. I shared helpful tips for baking and how to present your cupcakes beautifully. You can also try fun variations or make dietary adjustments. Remember to store your treats properly for freshness. Ultimately, these cupcakes are simple, tasty, and versatile. Enjoy your baking adventure and share these delightful treats with loved ones!

Pineapple Paradise Cupcakes

Deliciously tropical cupcakes with crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
  • 0.25 cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 0.5 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then set the mixture aside for later use.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.
  • Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, into the buttery sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Gently stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • Gradually fold in the dry mixture from step 2 into the wet ingredients, alternating with the drained crushed pineapple and fresh pineapple juice. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being cautious not to overmix to keep the cupcakes light and airy.
  • At the bottom of each cupcake liner, place a few halved maraschino cherries along with a spoonful of crushed pineapple to create a delicious fruity surprise.
  • Carefully spoon and pour the prepared cupcake batter over the fruit in each liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
  • Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they're perfectly baked.
  • After baking, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently turn them out onto a wire rack, ensuring the fruit side is on top, allowing them to cool completely.

Notes

For an attractive finish, dust the cooled cupcakes lightly with powdered sugar. Add a slice of fresh pineapple on top and garnish with a sprig of mint for that extra tropical feel and a burst of color.
Keyword cupcakes, dessert, pineapple, tropical