Description
Moist, buttery pineapple cupcakes topped with caramelized brown sugar, crushed pineapple, and a classic maraschino cherry. These individual tropical treats are easy to make and perfect for parties, brunches, and sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 24 maraschino cherries
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 (18.25 oz) box pineapple cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Reserved pineapple juice, used instead of water called for on the cake mix package
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 24-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Mix the melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl until combined. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of crushed pineapple over the brown sugar mixture in each cup. Add one maraschino cherry to the center.
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and reserved pineapple juice. Mix on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes, until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the pineapple and cherries, filling each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert the pan onto a baking sheet or tray to release the cupcakes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Reserve the pineapple juice after draining the crushed pineapple and use it in place of the water specified on the cake mix package.
- Let the cupcakes cool for 5 minutes before inverting to help prevent the toppings from sticking.
- If necessary, gently loosen the edges with a knife before flipping.
- The cupcakes can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: pineapple upside-down cupcakes, pineapple cupcakes, upside-down cake, pineapple dessert, tropical cupcakes, maraschino cherry cupcakes