Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream

There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of tropical pineapple and sweet cherries. These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also bring a splash of color and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply craving something sweet, these cupcakes will surely steal the show. With a moist and flavorful cupcake base topped with a velvety cherry buttercream, each bite is a little slice of paradise.

Why This Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream Stands Out

These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. The crushed pineapple in the cupcake batter ensures each bite is moist and bursting with tropical goodness. The cherry buttercream, rich and creamy, adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy pineapple. This combination creates a cupcake that is light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Plus, they are adorned with maraschino cherries on top, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty!

The Ingredient Lineup

To whip up these delightful Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz crushed pineapple, do not drain!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 12 maraschino cherries, optional for topping
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start baking, gather these essentials:

• Muffin tin – for baking the cupcakes
• Cupcake liners – to keep your cupcakes neat and presentable
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Electric mixer – to make the buttercream fluffy
• Spatula – for scraping down the sides of the bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements
• Cooling rack – to cool the cupcakes properly

Method: Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes rise perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes for easy removal.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened stick of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Pineapple

Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring to keep all the juicy goodness intact.

Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cupcakes

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Cherry Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and cherry juice, adjusting the amount of cherry juice to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cherry buttercream.

Step 12: Garnish

Top each frosted cupcake with a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

International Equivalents

• 1 stick of butter = 113 grams
• 1 cup granulated sugar = 200 grams
• 1 cup all-purpose flour = 120 grams
• 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters
• 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters

Learn from These Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until combined!
• Using drained pineapple will result in drier cupcakes. Keep all the juice for moisture!
• Not letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting can cause the frosting to melt.
• Using cold eggs can affect the batter consistency. Always use room temperature eggs.

Storage & Reheat Guide

These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be sure not to overheat them, or they may dry out!

Reader Q&A

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to finely chop it and do not drain the juice, as moisture is key to keeping the cupcakes soft.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Frost them after thawing.

How can I make the buttercream less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet buttercream, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add a bit more cherry juice or even a splash of cream to reach your desired consistency.

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Next Steps

Now that you have the recipe for these delightful Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and let them indulge in this tropical treat. Whether served at a party or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!