Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cupcake that bursts with pineapple flavor and is topped with a cloud of cherry buttercream. The combination is as delightful as a tropical vacation in your mouth, with the sweetness of the pineapple harmonizing beautifully with the rich, creamy cherry frosting. refreshing tropical sangria pops You can almost hear the waves crashing and feel the sun on your skin as you enjoy this treat.

I remember the first time I baked these pineapple cupcakes with cherry buttercream for my friend’s birthday. Their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they took their first bite, and let me tell you, it was a celebration of flavor! These cupcakes are perfect for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or just when you need a little sunshine on a cloudy day. mango sticky rice popsicles Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pineapple cupcakes are easy to prepare and make everyone smile
- The tropical flavors will transport you straight to paradise
- The vibrant colors make them visually stunning for any occasion
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed at parties or simply at home while binge-watching your favorite series
One day, I surprised my family with these cupcakes after dinner, and the smiles were worth every minute spent baking. For more inspiration, check out this butterfinger bliss cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cupcake Flour: Use all-purpose flour or cake flour for a tender crumb; both work wonders.
- Pineapple Puree: Fresh or canned works well; just ensure it’s well-drained if using canned.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Baking Powder: Essential for fluffiness; don’t skip this ingredient unless you want dense cupcakes!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and great flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; they should be at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile; go for pure vanilla extract if possible.
- Cherry Preserves: These add a sweet and tart burst of flavor to your buttercream; don’t hold back!
- Heavy Cream: Use this for a smooth buttercream texture; it adds richness too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Cupcake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin pan with cupcake liners while imagining the deliciousness that awaits.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This step is crucial for ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You want it to look pale yellow—like sunshine!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until smooth—this is where things get creamy!
Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding pineapple puree to the creamed mixture along with dry ingredients until fully combined. Fold gently just until you don’t see dry flour anymore.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter—trust me on this! Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Make Cherry Buttercream Frosting : Beat softened butter until fluffy before gradually adding powdered sugar and cherry preserves. Slowly mix in heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency—sweet heaven right there!
With these steps complete, it’s time to enjoy those luscious pineapple cupcakes topped with dreamy cherry buttercream. Celebrate each bite!
You Must Know
- Baking pineapple cupcakes with cherry buttercream is all about balance; the sweetness of pineapple pairs beautifully with tart cherry
- Ensure you use ripe fruit for maximum flavor and moisture
- These cupcakes are not just treats; they’re a tropical vacation in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before mixing ingredients. This ensures even baking and fluffy texture. Mix dry ingredients separately before incorporating wet ones for a smoother batter.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different toppings like toasted coconut or chocolate drizzle to elevate your pineapple cupcakes. delicious coconut pineapple bites You can also swap cherries for other fruits, like strawberries, for a unique twist. chocolate dipped strawberries.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making pineapple cupcakes, use crushed pineapple instead of fresh for easier mixing and added moisture
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can lead to dense cupcakes
- Always let your cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting for the best results
Baking these delightful pineapple cupcakes reminds me of my childhood birthday parties where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. The joy on my friends’ faces after their first bite made every minute spent in the kitchen worthwhile. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry delight cake roll recipe.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it’s finely chopped and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make cherry buttercream less sweet?
Add a pinch of salt or use unsweetened cherry puree to balance the sweetness.
What if I don’t have cupcake liners?
You can grease the cupcake pan directly with cooking spray or butter as an alternative.

Pineapple Cupcakes with Cherry Buttercream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Indulge in a tropical delight with these Pineapple Cupcakes topped with luscious Cherry Buttercream. Soft and fluffy, these cupcakes are infused with vibrant pineapple flavor, perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of cherry frosting. Ideal for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet escape, these treats will transport you to paradise with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pineapple puree (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the pineapple puree and dry ingredients until combined.
- Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until fluffy, then mix in powdered sugar and cherry preserves. Adjust texture with heavy cream as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg