Bring Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
½C sweet cream butter, melted
1 ½ C light brown sugar
24 maraschino cherries
1 can crushed pineapple, 20 oz
1 package, 18.25 oz pineapple cake mix
3 large eggs
1 ½ C pineapple juice
½ C canola oil
1Tbsp powdered sugar, garnish
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prep muffin cups with nonstick baking spray.
Add one teaspoon of melted butter in each of the muffin cups,
Top the melted butter with one tablespoon of light brown sugar.
Position one maraschino cherry in the center of the light brown sugar in each
of the muffin cups.
Use a tablespoon measuring spoon to measure out the crushed pineapple. (Heaping
tablespoon)
With the back of a spoon push down the crushed pineapple into the maraschino
cherry/ brown sugar layer.
Set aside.
Add the pineapple cake mix to a mixer bowl. Mix in the eggs, pineapple juice,
and oil with an electric mixer set on low until the cake mix is just moistened.
30 seconds)
Increase the mixing speed to medium, mixing for 2 minutes.
Scoop the prepared cake batter into each of the muffin wells. Fill just below
the top of the muffin well. (Do not overfill.)
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Check to make sure the cupcakes are fully baked by inserting a toothpick in the
center of the cupcake. If the toothpick comes out clean the cupcake is baked.
Set the cupcakes on the counter to cool for about 5 minutes.
Flip the baked cupcakes over on a cooling rack. (The cherry should be on the
top of the cupcake.)
Enjoy!
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add one teaspoon of melted butter in each of the muffin cups,
Add the pineapple cake mix to a mixer bowl. Mix in the eggs, pineapple juice,
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.