Why You’ll Love These Mini Pineapple Cakes
Perfect Individual Portions
No slicing needed. Each cake is its own cute serving — perfect for guests or parties.
Super Moist Texture
The pineapple juice and caramel soak into the cake, making it unbelievably soft and tender.
Beautiful Presentation
The pineapple ring with a cherry center looks fancy with zero effort.
Beginner Friendly
Simple mixing. No complicated techniques. Just layer and bake.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 6–8 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- 6–8 maraschino cherries
For the Cake Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Optional:
- coconut flakes
- lemon zest
- cinnamon pinch
Ingredient Tips
Pineapple
Canned rings work best because they’re soft and sweet. Save the juice for the batter.
Brown Sugar
Creates deep caramel flavor and sticky glaze.
Butter
Adds richness and helps caramel form.
Pineapple Juice
Keeps the cake extra moist and boosts fruity flavor.
Each ingredient builds layers of flavor that make this cake irresistible.
Equipment Needed
- Muffin pan or small cake molds
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or mixer
- Spatula
Grease your pan well so cakes release easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Caramel Base
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a small bowl mix:
- melted butter
- brown sugar
Stir until thick and smooth.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each muffin cavity.
Spread evenly on the bottom.
This becomes the sticky caramel top after baking.
Step 2 – Add Pineapple and Cherry
Place:
- one pineapple ring on top of the caramel
- one cherry in the center
Press gently.
Now your cakes already look pretty!
Step 3 – Make the Cake Batter
In a bowl cream:
- butter
- sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time.
Then add:
- vanilla
- pineapple juice
- milk
Mix well.
In another bowl combine:
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet.
Mix until smooth.
Do not overmix.
The batter should be soft and creamy.
Step 4 – Fill the Molds
Spoon batter over pineapple.
Fill about ¾ full.
Leave space for rising.
Smooth tops gently.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for:
20–25 minutes
Until:
✔ golden edges
✔ toothpick comes out clean
✔ tops spring back when touched
Your kitchen will smell like caramel and tropical heaven 😍
Step 6 – Flip While Warm
This step is important!
Let cool 5 minutes only.
Then:
- place plate over pan
- flip quickly
If you wait too long, caramel sticks.
Lift pan slowly.
Boom! Perfect glossy pineapple tops ✨
So satisfying to see.
Texture Guide
Perfect cakes should be:
✔ soft
✔ fluffy
✔ moist
✔ caramel sticky top
✔ tender fruit
Not dry or dense.
If dry → overbaked
If soggy → too much juice
If stuck → didn’t grease pan enough
Flavor Variations
Coconut Pineapple
Add coconut flakes to batter.
Rum Caramel
Add 1 tbsp dark rum to caramel.
Lemon Twist
Add lemon zest for freshness.
Spiced Version
Add cinnamon + nutmeg.
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted chocolate after baking.
You can easily customize to your taste.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm for best taste.
Top with:
- vanilla ice cream
- whipped cream
- caramel sauce
- toasted coconut
Perfect with:
- tea
- coffee
- milk
- tropical juice
Great for breakfast, dessert, or snack.
Storage Tips
Room temperature: 2 days
Fridge: 5 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat 10–15 seconds in microwave for fresh taste.
They become soft again instantly.
Pro Baking Tips
Don’t Overmix Batter
Keeps cakes light and fluffy.
Use Room Temp Ingredients
Mixes smoother and rises better.
Flip Early
Warm caramel releases easier.
Grease Pan Well
Prevents sticking.
Use Good Pineapple
Juicy fruit makes huge difference.
Why These Cakes Always Impress
These mini pineapple upside-down cakes look bakery-level fancy but are secretly super simple. The caramel glaze, bright cherry, and pineapple ring make them eye-catching, while the soft buttery cake makes everyone ask for seconds.
They’re nostalgic, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
And honestly… they taste even better the next day because the caramel soaks deeper into the cake.
Dangerously addictive 😄
Final Thoughts
If you love fruity desserts with caramel and soft cake texture, this recipe is pure happiness. Every bite combines sweet pineapple, sticky brown sugar caramel, and tender vanilla cake. It’s simple, classic, and always a crowd favorite.