Here’s a Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes recipe with clear, step-by-step directions—perfectly caramelized on top and fluffy underneath.
🍍 Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Topping
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup brown sugar
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6 pineapple rings, cut in half (or pineapple tidbits)
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12 maraschino cherries, halved
For the Cupcake Batter
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup pineapple juice (from the can) or milk
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 12-cup muffin pan well (very important so they release cleanly).
2. Make the Topping
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar.
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
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Place 1 pineapple half (or spoonful of tidbits) into each cup.
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Add one cherry half in the center of each pineapple.
3. Make the Cupcake Batter
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time.
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Mix in vanilla extract.
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Add dry ingredients alternately with pineapple juice, mixing just until combined.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups
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Spoon batter over the pineapple layer, filling each cup about ¾ full.
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Gently smooth the tops.
5. Bake
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes only (important!).
6. Invert the Cupcakes
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Run a knife around edges if needed.
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Place a baking sheet or tray over the pan.
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Carefully flip the pan upside down.
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Lift slowly—pineapple topping should release beautifully on top.
🍽️ Serve
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Optional: add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
✅ Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
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Don’t let them cool too long before flipping, or the caramel may stick.
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Use canned pineapple for consistent moisture.
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If using fresh pineapple, cook it briefly with sugar to soften it.