Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are a delightful treat that transports you straight to a tropical paradise. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cupcake bursting with the sunny sweetness of pineapple, topped with a fluffy and vibrant cherry buttercream that dances on your taste buds. This colorful confection is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just trying to sweeten up an ordinary Tuesday. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes.
As I whipped up these Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream for my niece’s birthday party, the kitchen filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of baking. My family couldn’t resist sneaking peaks at the colorful batter and frosting, eagerly anticipating the moment we could dive in. These cupcakes are not only delicious but also bring back fond memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this delicious cake recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers
- The flavor combination is a delightful tropical twist that will impress your friends and family
- The bright colors make them visually stunning, turning any dessert table into a festive display
- Suitable for birthdays or casual get-togethers, they are versatile enough for any occasion
I remember my niece’s eyes lighting up when she first saw these cupcakes decorated like little tropical islands. Her giggles echoed through the house as she took her first bite; it was pure joy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cupcake Flour: Choose a fine flour for light and fluffy cupcakes; all-purpose works too but may be denser.
- Canned Pineapple: Use crushed pineapple packed in juice for extra moisture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; you can adjust based on your preference for less sugary treats.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully; always check the expiration date for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates that rich flavor; don’t skip this step for creamy frosting!
- Cherry Extract: For that lovely cherry flavor in the buttercream; use pure extract if available.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for making the frosting smooth and sweet; sift it before use to prevent lumps.
- Milk or Cream: Use whole milk or heavy cream for a richer buttercream texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures those cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cupcake flour, baking powder, and sugar. Whisk them together until they’re well blended and airy—this is where the magic begins!
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the crushed pineapple along with melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Stir gently until combined; you want it to be smooth but not over-mixed.
Fill Your Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. You’ll want room for them to rise without overflowing.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—time to smell those heavenly aromas!
Prepare Cherry Buttercream Frosting: While cupcakes cool, beat softened unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cherry extract, and milk until fluffy—taste testing is encouraged!
Once frosted, serve these Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream at your next gathering and watch them disappear faster than you can say “tropical paradise.” Enjoy every bite of this delightful experience!
You Must Know
- Pineapple cupcakes with cherry buttercream are a delightful tropical treat
- The sweet and tangy flavors create a perfect balance, making each bite irresistible
- These cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and topped with creamy cherry frosting that’s sure to impress anyone at your next gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar. Gradually add eggs, pineapple, and flour for even blending.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding coconut flakes for extra texture or swapping cherries for other fruits like strawberries. You can also experiment with different extracts for unique flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If refrigerated, the cherry buttercream may harden slightly; let it come to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect pineapple cupcakes, use fresh pineapple for a juicy sweetness
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes light and airy
- Always check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done!
I remember baking these pineapple cupcakes for my niece’s birthday party; the smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless when they saw the vibrant colors and tasted the deliciousness!
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple for these cupcakes?
Yes, canned pineapple works great; just drain it well before mixing in.
How do I achieve a fluffy texture?
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy before adding other ingredients.
What can I substitute for cherry buttercream?
Try vanilla or chocolate frosting for a different twist!

Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream are a delightful tropical treat that brings sunshine to any occasion. Each soft, moist cupcake is infused with sweet pineapple and crowned with a luscious cherry buttercream frosting, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for birthdays, casual gatherings, or simply to brighten your day, these vibrant cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cupcake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup crushed canned pineapple (drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp cherry extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cupcake flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the crushed pineapple.
- Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients until just blended.
- Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, cherry extract, and milk until smooth.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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