Description
Classic pineapple upside-down cupcakes blend tropical sweetness with nostalgic charm. Caramelized fruit tops moist vanilla cake, offering guests a delightful dessert that sparkles with Southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple slices in juice
- 1 jar (6 ounces / 170 grams) maraschino cherries
Sweeteners and Binding:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Vegetable oil (as called for in cake mix instructions)
- 2 eggs (as called for in cake mix instructions)
Preparation Ingredient:
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal baking results.
- Create a rich caramel base by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then thoroughly incorporate brown sugar until it fully dissolves and becomes smooth.
- Prepare the muffin tin with cooking spray, carefully distributing the butter-sugar mixture evenly across each cup to create a delectable caramel foundation.
- Slice pineapple into compact quarters and strategically place two pieces in each muffin cavity, then nestle a vibrant maraschino cherry half alongside the fruit.
- Craft the cake batter using the package instructions, ingeniously substituting pineapple juice for water to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
- Gently pour the prepared batter over the arranged pineapple and cherries, filling each cup approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully loosen edges with a knife and invert onto a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and caramel setting.
Notes
- Swap cake mix with gluten-free alternative for celiac-friendly version.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for enhanced natural sweetness and texture.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for extra tropical flavor and crunch.
- Replace maraschino cherries with fresh dark cherries for a more sophisticated and less artificial taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg