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Delicious mini pineapple upside down cakes topped with pineapple and cherries.

Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

These adorable mini pineapple upside down cakes are the perfect dessert for gatherings, with a golden caramelized pineapple topping and soft cake base. They are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and make no-mess servings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the topping
  • 1 can can of pineapple rings Drain well and pat dry
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar For caramelization
  • 1/4 cup butter Melted
  • 12 pieces maraschino cherries Optional for garnish
For the cake batter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a standard muffin tin well to ensure easy release.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, then distribute evenly into the bottom of the muffin tin.
  4. Place one pineapple ring in each muffin cup and, if using, add a cherry in the center.
Making the Batter
  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple rings in the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
  1. Let the cakes cool for about 5 minutes before flipping onto a plate.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional garnishes like whipped cream, ice cream, or toasted coconut.

Notes

These mini cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. For best results, serve while slightly warm. Avoid using paper liners to prevent sticking.