Name: Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 can sliced pineapples (drained); Maraschino cherries; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Imagine pulling a tray of golden, caramel-glazed cakes from the oven, each one topped with a jewel-like cherry and a ring of sweet pineapple — that’s the magic of Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes! These retro-inspired treats bring sunshine to any table, combining buttery brown sugar, soft fruit, and tender vanilla cake in perfectly portioned servings. They’re fun to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely irresistible at first bite.

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes is in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples and a few vibrant extras come together to create a dessert that’s both eye-catching and scrumptious. Each ingredient plays its unique role, from tenderizing the crumb to adding a pop of color or a caramel note.

Unsalted Butter: Melts into the brown sugar for a rich, toffee-like base that soaks up into the cakes.
Brown Sugar: Lends a deep molasses flavor and that signature sticky, caramelized topping.
Canned Pineapple Slices: Drain well and pat dry; their rings become the star atop each mini cake.
Maraschino Cherries: Their bold color and gentle sweetness make each cake eye-catching and festive.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the batter, providing structure without making the cakes heavy.
Baking Powder: Guarantees a light, fluffy rise in each little cake.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance every flavor.
Granulated Sugar: For a sweet, delicate crumb in the cake itself.
Egg: Brings everything together for a moist, cohesive batter.
Milk: Adds just the right amount of richness and ensures a soft texture.
Vanilla Extract: For a subtle warmth that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a muffin tin to ensure your Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes pop out beautifully later. Nonstick spray works well, but brushing with a little melted butter adds extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter gently over low heat, then stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is your magic caramel — spoon it evenly into the bottom of each muffin cup.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Cherries

Gently pat the drained pineapple slices dry (to prevent sogginess), then place one slice into each caramel-lined cup. Nestle a maraschino cherry right in the center of each pineapple ring for that signature look and a burst of color.

Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and egg until pale and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined; this will help make the cakes tender and aromatic.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and free of lumps, being careful not to over-mix — you want light, airy cakes!

Step 6: Portion and Fill

Spoon the finished batter evenly over the pineapple slices in the muffin tin, filling each cup to about 3/4 full. The batter will rise and encase the fruit, creating the classic upside down cake effect in every mini portion.

Step 7: Bake and Unmold

Place the tin in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for just a few minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a wire rack or plate. Admire those gorgeous caramel-glazed tops!

How to Serve Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Garnishes

Give your Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes a bakery-worthy touch by garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or an extra cherry on top. Even a sprig of mint adds a splash of color and a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these mini cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy dollop of Greek yogurt to contrast the sweetness. For a brunch table, they play nicely alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or fresh sliced fruit for a balanced, cheerful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each cake on a small floral plate or with a miniature dessert fork for a tea party feel, or stack the cakes on a tiered stand at gatherings for a show-stopping centerpiece. Individual cupcake liners can also make them easy to transport or give as gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent stickiness.

Freezing

To freeze, individually wrap cooled cakes in plastic and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their moisture and flavor for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm leftover cakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back the buttery aroma and revives the gooey caramel topping without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just slice the pineapple thinly so it fits nicely in each muffin cup, and be sure to blot away any excess juice to keep the cakes from turning out soggy.

Do I have to use muffin tins?

No muffin tin? You can use ramekins, mini cake pans, or even silicone molds. The key is to keep an eye on baking time since sizes may vary — adjust as needed for the perfect result.

Are Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes best served warm or at room temperature?

They’re honestly delightful both ways! Warm cakes have a gooier topping, but at room temperature, the flavors meld beautifully and the cakes hold together well for serving.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes are party-perfect! Bake them a day ahead, store covered, and serve chilled or gently rewarmed. They’re a make-ahead host’s dream.

What other fruits could I use?

While pineapple and cherries are classic, you can easily swap in peach slices, apple rings, or even mango for a fresh twist. Just keep pieces thin and well-drained for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s brimming with nostalgia, vibrant color, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes will absolutely become a go-to favorite. Give them a try for your next gathering or treat-yourself night — you’re just a few simple steps away from a tray of irresistible, sunny little cakes!

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delightful Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes that are bursting with tropical flavors and moist cake layers. Perfect for individual servings and guaranteed to impress!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
Caramelized Pineapple Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture into the muffin cups.
Layering: Place a slice of pineapple in each cup and top with a maraschino cherry.
Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream granulated sugar and egg until fluffy. Mix in milk and vanilla extract.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine these dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the cake batter over the pineapple layers, filling each cup.
Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These individual pineapple upside-down cakes can be served warm or at room temperature.
For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American