Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are like a tropical vacation for your taste buds. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cupcake that bursts with the aroma of fresh pineapple and the sweetness of cherry buttercream frosting. whole wheat summer pesto pasta It’s a flavor explosion that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or just because you want to treat yourself. refreshing quinoa bowl recipe.
The best part? These cupcakes will have you reminiscing about childhood birthdays spent devouring cake while trying to avoid frosting on your nose. Picture friends gathering around a table, laughter filling the air as they dig into these delightful treats. flavorful chicken pad thai Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be the star of any dessert spread.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are incredibly easy to whip up in under an hour
- Their sweet and tangy flavor profile is refreshing and irresistible
- Visually stunning with their vibrant colors, they will be the highlight of any dessert table
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any occasion or simply as a delightful snack
Everyone in my family raved about these cupcakes at my sister’s birthday party; it was hard to keep them on the table!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cake Flour: This gives the cupcakes a light and airy texture. Don’t substitute with all-purpose flour; trust me on this one.
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Fresh Pineapple: Use ripe pineapple for natural sweetness; canned works too but lacks that fresh zing.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and helps create that perfect rise in your cupcakes.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising action; expired baking powder is a party pooper.
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Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter emulsify better, leading to fluffier cupcakes.
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Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; soften it before mixing for easier incorporation.
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Milk: Whole milk makes these cupcakes moist and tender; skip at your own peril!
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Cherry Jam: This adds an extra layer of cherry flavor in the frosting; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating that dreamy buttercream texture; sift it first for smooth frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. corn casserole for gatherings.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Prepare Your Batter: In a bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside as you cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate pureed fresh pineapple until evenly combined.
Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it unless you want dense cupcakes!
Fill Your Liners: Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool Before Frosting: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make Cherry Buttercream: In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cherry jam until smooth and fluffy.
Frost Those Cupcakes: Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with cherry buttercream using a piping bag or spatula for that Instagram-worthy look!
These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are not just desserts; they’re little bites of joy packed into fluffy goodness topped with sweet cherries! Enjoy them at parties or keep them all to yourself (I won’t tell). For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- These delightful pineapple cupcakes are not only fun to make but also a tropical treat that will impress everyone
- The cherry buttercream adds a sweet twist, making these cupcakes perfect for summer parties or casual get-togethers
- The aroma of pineapple baking will have your friends lining up for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients separately before adding them to your wet mixture for an even batter. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring perfectly moist cupcakes every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out crushed pineapple with fresh chunks for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different extracts like coconut or vanilla to elevate your cherry buttercream. Personalizing these cupcakes makes them even more special!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their moistness without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so mix just until combined
- Always check your oven’s accuracy; uneven temperatures can ruin your baking experience
Baking these pineapple cupcakes with cherry buttercream reminds me of my childhood summers spent at my grandma’s beach house, where we baked together and devoured every last crumb.
FAQ
Can I make these pineapple cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
How do I ensure my cherry buttercream is fluffy?
Beat the butter first before gradually adding powdered sugar and cherry flavoring for fluffiness.
What can I use instead of cherries in the frosting?
Try raspberries or strawberries for a delicious alternative that pairs well with pineapple.

Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are a delightful tropical treat that will transport your taste buds to paradise. These moist, fluffy cupcakes feature the refreshing flavor of fresh pineapple and are topped with a creamy cherry buttercream frosting. Ideal for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests and bring back fond memories of childhood celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, pureed
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup cherry jam
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the pureed pineapple until combined.
- Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients with milk to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and cherry jam until smooth and fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider using crushed pineapple instead of pureed. You can substitute cherry jam with other fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry for a unique twist. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best results.