Ingredients
Topping
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices or chunks with juice, divided
- 21 maraschino cherries, stemless
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to get it ready for baking the cupcakes.
- Prepare Pineapple: Separate the pineapple slices or chunks from their juice. Cut the pineapple into small pieces about ½ inch square for easy layering in the cupcake tins.
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted butter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of brown sugar over the butter to create the caramelized topping base.
- Arrange Toppings: Place 4 pineapple pieces per cup in a flower or cross pattern. Then, place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple arrangement. Set the pan aside once complete.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the canola oil and granulated sugar together. Then beat in the eggs one at a time until just combined, creating a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently with a spatula. When the batter starts to become thick and dry, gradually pour in the reserved pineapple juice while continuing to mix until the batter is wet and thick but smooth.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter over the pineapple and cherry toppings in each muffin cup, filling nearly to the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cupcake edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Note that some butter may seep out during baking.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes to set up and prevent breaking.
- Remove from Pan: Run a thin, small knife around the edges of each cupcake to loosen it gently from the pan.
- Invert and Serve: Carefully flip each cupcake upside-down onto a cooling rack, showcasing the caramelized pineapple and cherry topping. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a smoother batter.
- Make sure to grease the muffin pan well to easily release the cupcakes upside-down.
- You can use pineapple chunks if slices are not available—just cut them smaller.
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American