Short Description

These Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes are charming individual treats featuring caramelized pineapple and cherry atop tender, buttery cake—perfect for parties or a delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant presentation in cupcake form without fuss
Balanced sweetness from brown sugar, pineapple, and maraschino cherries
Easy to make with pantry staples and a simple muffin tin

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 can sliced pineapples, drained
Maraschino cherries, 1 per cup
1 cup all‑purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare The Oven And Tin
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Grease a standard muffin tin or use paper liners.
Make The Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Stir in brown sugar until smooth and fully blended.
- Spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture into each muffin cup.
Arrange Pineapple And Cherry
- Place one pineapple slice over the caramel in each cup.
- Top each slice with a maraschino cherry in the center.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, cream granulated sugar and the egg until fluffy.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Make The Batter
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
Fill Muffin Cups
- Spoon batter evenly over the pineapple and caramel layers, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
Bake
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool And Serve
- Let cakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
- Run a butter knife around the edges, then invert onto a plate.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings And Timing

Yield: Makes 12 mini cakes (1 standard muffin tin)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Tropical Twist: Use fresh pineapple slices and substitute cherries with kiwi slices.
Rum Infusion: Add 1 tbsp dark rum to the caramel mixture before spooning into cups.
Coconut Variation: Replace 2 tbsp flour with shredded coconut and sprinkle on top before baking.
Mini Bundt-Style: For a prettier presentation, bake in mini bundt pans instead of muffin cups.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days; bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer: Individually wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat briefly in the oven.
Reheat: Warm mini cakes at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 5 minutes to restore the gooey topping.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Fresh Pineapple?

Yes—slice fresh pineapple to about the same size and dry briefly before using.

2. Do I Have To Use Maraschino Cherries?

No—substitute with glacé cherries, pitted fresh cherries, or omit entirely.

3. Will Lining The Tin Affect The Topping?

Using parchment muffin liners may make removal more difficult since caramel can stick. Greasing the tin directly works best.

4. Can I Use Brown Butter For Extra Flavor?

Yes—brown the butter gently before mixing with sugar for a nutty twist.

5. How Do I Prevent Soggy Cake?

Ensure the pineapple is well-drained and excess juice is patted dry before use.

6. Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes—double ingredients and bake in two muffin tins.

7. What If The Tops Brown Too Quickly?

Cover loosely with foil after 15 minutes of baking.

8. Are They Suitable For Parties?

Absolutely—make ahead, serve at room temp, or reheat slightly for fresh warmth.

9. Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

10. How Do I Keep The Cakes From Sticking?

Grease well or use non-stick cooking spray. Let cool slightly before inverting to help release.

Conclusion

These Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes are a delightful, visually appealing treat that combines sweet caramel, juicy fruit, and fluffy cake—all in one convenient mini portion. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy yet impressive dessert.

Ezabella