Pineapple cupcakes are light, moist, and full of sweet tropical flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to everyday treats. With real crushed pineapple in every bite, these cupcakes bring a fresh, fruity twist that everyone will love.
Why We Love This
These pineapple cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert—soft, sweet, and bursting with tropical flavor. They’re made with real crushed pineapple, which keeps them incredibly moist without being heavy. Whether you’re baking for a summer gathering, a birthday party, or just a simple treat at home, these cupcakes add a fun, fruity twist that stands out from the usual vanilla or chocolate.
What makes them extra special is how simple they are to whip up. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just a bowl, a whisk, and a few pantry staples. The flavor is fresh and vibrant, with just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for both kids and adults.
Here’s why they’re a go-to favorite:
- Tropical flavor that feels like sunshine in every bite
- Moist texture thanks to the juicy pineapple
- Quick and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
- Versatile—pair with cream cheese frosting, coconut toppings, or enjoy plain
- Crowd-pleasing for parties, potlucks, and holidays
Once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this pineapple cupcake recipe again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit.
Ingredients with Quantity
Cake flour – Gives a light and tender texture; don’t substitute with all-purpose flour.
Leavening – Use baking powder for fluffiness, not baking soda.
Salt – Enhances flavor without making it salty.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture; reduce salt if using salted butter.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and texture; avoid using brown sugar.
Vanilla extract – Adds flavor to balance the sweetness.
Egg whites – Use 6 large egg whites for a soft texture.
Milk – Whole milk keeps cupcakes moist; lower-fat milk may make them dry.
Pineapple juice – Adds a burst of tropical flavor
Instructions
Making these pineapple cupcakes is as simple as it gets—let’s walk through the steps so you can enjoy them in no time.
Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when it’s time to bake.
Prepare the Baking Pan – Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients – Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir in crushed pineapple with juice for flavor and moisture.
Add Dry to Wet Ingredients – Gradually combine the dry mix with the wet ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and slightly thick.
Fill the Muffin Tin – Spoon the batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full for proper rise.
Bake and Cool – Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Pro Tips
To make your pineapple cupcakes even better, here are a few tips that will ensure perfect results every time.
Drain the Pineapple Well
While it’s important to use the juice from the crushed pineapple, make sure it’s not too watery. If there’s excess liquid, give it a quick drain using a fine mesh strainer. This helps keep the batter from becoming too soggy and ensures your cupcakes are light and airy.
Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your eggs and oil are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense, so a gentle stir is all you need to achieve that perfect light, fluffy texture.
Check for Doneness
Every oven is different, so make sure to check your cupcakes at the 18-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. If not, give them a couple more minutes but keep an eye on them. Overbaking can cause the cupcakes to dry out.
Let Them Cool Completely Before Frosting
If you plan to frost your cupcakes, it’s important to let them cool fully before doing so. Warm cupcakes can melt frosting, so give them plenty of time on the cooling rack.
Use a Light Frosting
If you’re looking to pair your cupcakes with frosting, consider a light cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream. Both complement the sweet, tropical flavor of the pineapple without overpowering it.
Variations
One of the best things about pineapple cupcakes is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you want to add extra texture, flavor, or a unique twist, there are plenty of ways to make these cupcakes your own. Here are a few variations to try:
Coconut Pineapple Cupcakes
If you love the combination of pineapple and coconut, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter. About ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut will give your cupcakes that tropical flair and extra moisture. You can also sprinkle some on top for a fun garnish.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
For a fun twist, transform these cupcakes into mini pineapple upside-down cakes. Place a small pineapple ring and a maraschino cherry at the bottom of each cupcake liner before adding the batter. Once baked, flip them over for a delicious caramelized topping.
Spiced Pineapple Cupcakes
Add a hint of warmth by incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients. This variation adds depth to the flavor, making the cupcakes perfect for cooler weather or holiday celebrations.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your pineapple cupcakes are baked to perfection, let’s think about how to serve them! Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party, looking for a casual snack, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, here are some serving suggestions that will make these cupcakes even more special.
Serve with Whipped Cream or Frosting
Top your cupcakes with a light, fluffy whipped cream or a smooth cream cheese frosting to complement the tropical sweetness of the pineapple. A light dusting of shredded coconut on top adds texture and extra tropical flair. For a festive touch, garnish with a small pineapple slice or a cherry on top.
Pair with a Tropical Drink
For an extra tropical treat, serve your pineapple cupcakes with a refreshing drink like a cold pineapple lemonade or a glass of iced tea. The light, fruity flavors will complement each other and elevate your cupcake experience.
Perfect for Parties and Gatherings
These cupcakes are a hit at any gathering! Whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or a holiday celebration, they’re sure to bring smiles. Arrange the cupcakes on a colorful platter with a few tropical fruits like mango slices, papaya, or fresh pineapple chunks for a full tropical spread.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
Looking for a cozy treat? Pair your cupcakes with a cup of coffee or iced tea. The balance of sweetness in the cupcakes and the rich flavors of your drink create a comforting, balanced snack perfect for any time of day.
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FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pineapple cupcakes to help you bake with confidence and enjoy them even more.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned, but you’ll need to finely chop it and remove any excess moisture. To keep the cupcakes from becoming too wet, make sure to drain the fresh pineapple before adding it to the batter. Canned pineapple is often packed in juice, which is convenient and provides the right amount of moisture.
How do I store leftover cupcakes?
To keep your pineapple cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze the cupcakes for up to 3 months—simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the day before and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before baking, as the batter may settle. This can be a great time-saver for when you’re preparing for an event or gathering.
How do I make my cupcakes fluffier?
To achieve fluffier pineapple cupcakes, make sure to sift your flour and baking powder before mixing. Also, avoid overmixing the batter—stir just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes, so be gentle when folding the ingredients together.
Can I add other fruits to the batter?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like mango, banana, or berries for a fun twist. Just remember to chop them finely, and if you’re using a fruit that releases a lot of moisture, like berries, you might want to add a little extra flour to balance the batter.
pineapple cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake, giving your cupcakes the perfect rise.
Prepare the Baking Pan
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This makes cleanup easier and helps your cupcakes release without sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your cupcakes rise properly and have a balanced texture.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once that’s done, stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice). The pineapple not only gives flavor but also adds moisture to make your cupcakes wonderfully soft.
Add Dry to Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy. You’ll know the batter is ready when it’s smooth and slightly thick.
Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. This ensures the cupcakes have enough room to rise without overflowing.
Bake and Cool
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy.