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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Drain the canned pineapple slices, reserving ¼ cup of the juice. Cut the pineapple slices into smaller rounds to fit the bottom of each cupcake liner.
2. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner and spread evenly.
Place a small pineapple round in the center of each liner. Add a maraschino cherry in the middle of the pineapple if desired.
3. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Cake mix
Reserved pineapple juice
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
4. Assemble the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter gently over the pineapple slices, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
Be careful not to disturb the pineapple topping.
5. Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
6. Flip and Serve
Carefully flip each cupcake onto a cooling rack or plate to reveal the caramelized pineapple topping.
Let cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
🍨 For Dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🎉 At Gatherings: Arrange on a platter for parties, potlucks, or holidays.
☕ With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy as an afternoon treat.
🧁 Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Pro Tips for Success
✅ Use Fresh Pineapple: Slice thinly for extra freshness.
✅ Don’t Skip the Cherry: It adds a festive pop of color.
✅ Make Mini Cupcakes: Use a mini muffin tin—bake 10–12 minutes.
✅ Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of rum or coconut extract for a tropical twist.
Final Thoughts
These Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes are a sweet, tropical treat perfect for any occasion. With their gooey caramelized topping, tender cake, and juicy pineapple, they’re a dessert that’s as fun to make as they are to eat.
So grab your pineapple slices, melt that butter, and bake up these adorable, fruity cupcakes. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’ve brought the taste of the tropics straight into your kitchen—one sweet, golden cupcake at a time!
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