Sweet Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Recipe – Bite-Sized Joy

Tucked away in my recipe collection, mini pineapple upside down cakes promise a delightful twist on a classic dessert.

Caramelized golden rings nestle perfectly atop soft, buttery miniature cakes that melt in your mouth.

Sweet tropical flavors dance with rich, golden-brown edges, creating a miniature masterpiece.

Each compact treat delivers a burst of sunshine in a single bite.

Perfectly portioned and elegantly presented, these individual desserts make entertaining a breeze.

Guests will adore the personal touch and irresistible charm of these petite confections.

Ready to impress everyone with a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes?

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh or canned pineapple rings both work great. Just make sure they’re not too thick to fit comfortably in the muffin tin.

• What if I don't have a muffin tin?

You can use a regular cake pan, but adjust baking time and carefully arrange pineapple rings at the bottom before pouring batter.

• How do I prevent the cakes from sticking?

Generously grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray before adding brown sugar and pineapple rings to ensure easy removal.

• Can I make these mini cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Just reheat briefly before serving to restore their fresh-baked texture.

Why Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Shine

• Craft Delightful Individual Treats: Create personal-sized desserts that look stunning and taste incredible, perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Beginner bakers can confidently follow this straightforward recipe with basic ingredients and minimal cooking techniques.
• Impress with Stunning Presentation: Transform a classic dessert into adorable mini cakes that wow guests with their beautiful caramelized pineapple topping and vibrant cherries.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these charming mini cakes in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients for Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

• Flour: The foundation that provides structure to the mini cakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Pineapple Rings: Classic tropical fruit that creates the signature upside-down cake flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds a pop of color and sweet-tart accent to the dessert.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Vanilla Extract: Create a caramelized bottom layer with deep, rich flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

How to Bake Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by generously coating it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

In a mixing bowl, blend melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.

Carefully distribute this sweet mixture evenly across the bottom of each muffin cup.

Step 3: Add Fruity Decorations

Gently place a single pineapple ring into each muffin cup.

Position a bright red maraschino cherry right in the center of each pineapple ring.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the batter becomes silky smooth with no lumps.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Pour the cake batter over the pineapple and cherry layer, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This ensures room for the cakes to rise beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color and a firm, springy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Reveal

Remove the tin from the oven and let the mini cakes cool completely. Carefully flip the tin over onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized pineapple tops to create a stunning presentation.

Tips for Perfect Mini Pineapple Cakes

• Use softened butter at room temperature for smoother cake batter and more even mixing.
• Pat maraschino cherries dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from affecting cake texture.
• Drain pineapple rings thoroughly to avoid soggy cake bottoms and ensure crisp caramelization.
• Run a knife around cake edges before inverting to help them release cleanly from the muffin tin.
• Let cakes cool for exactly 5 minutes before flipping to maintain their beautiful caramelized topping.

Flavor Variations for Mini Pineapple Cakes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk with almond or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter alternative to create a delicious lactose-free dessert.
• Tropical Fruit Swap: Substitute pineapple rings with mango or peach slices for a different fruity flavor profile that still maintains the cake's signature caramelized topping.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and granulated sugar to create a lower-calorie version without compromising the cake's rich taste.

Pairings for Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Serve these mini cakes with a light, crisp Caribbean rum cocktail that complements the caramelized pineapple’s sweetness and adds a boozy tropical twist.

Pair with a chilled vanilla bean gelato or smooth whipped cream to balance the cake’s warm, sticky caramel notes and provide a cool, silky contrast.

Enjoy alongside a warm, spicy chai tea that echoes the cake’s rich caramel flavors and offers a delightful aromatic counterpoint to the sweet dessert.

Match with a refreshing coconut water or coconut milk-based drink that enhances the tropical pineapple essence and creates a harmonious island-inspired experience.

Storage Advice for Mini Pineapple Cakes

• Store cooled cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm each cake for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.
• Remove frozen cakes from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing them to return to their original delightful state.

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful mini pineapple upside down cakes showcase caramelized fruit nestled in buttery golden cake, offering individual servings of tropical sweetness. Nostalgic flavors merge with classic dessert charm, inviting you to savor each perfectly sized morsel of pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can pineapple rings (20 ounces / 567 grams)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Baking and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4–6 maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the muffin tin by greasing thoroughly and preheating the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Create a caramel base by distributing melted butter and brown sugar evenly across the muffin cups.
3. Carefully position a single pineapple ring in each cup, then nestle a cherry at the center of each ring.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and vanilla, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, lump-free consistency.
5. Gently pour the batter over the pineapple and cherry layer, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the tops turn a rich golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and allow the mini cakes to cool completely in the tin for easier removal.
8. Carefully invert the muffin tin onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized pineapple topping to create an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Customize fruit toppings by swapping pineapple with peaches, apricots, or mandarin oranges for variety and seasonal options.
• For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain texture and consistency.
• Line muffin tin with parchment paper strips for easier removal and cleaner presentation of individual cakes.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of rum or coconut extract to the batter for a more complex tropical taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg