Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 4 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick or 4 tablespoons)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple rings
- 6 maraschino cherries
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray your muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, white sugar, and pineapple juice. Beat for 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir on low heat for one minute.
- Spoon a layer of the warm brown sugar mixture into the bottom of each muffin tin. Place a pineapple ring on top of the brown sugar layer and add a cherry in the middle of each pineapple.
- Pour the cake mixture over the toppings, filling each muffin tin about 3/4 full. If using regular muffin tins, adjust the size of the pineapple rings to fit or use pineapple tidbits.
Bake Time: 10-15 minutes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the brown sugar mixture before adding the pineapple rings.
- Experiment with different fruit toppings such as sliced peaches or mangoes for a variation of flavors.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.
How to Store:
- Store any leftover mini pineapple upside down cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven until warmed through before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned. Just make sure to slice them thinly and remove the core before placing them in the muffin tins.
Q: Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cakes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Warm them up before serving for the best taste and texture.
