Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a Pineapple Upside Down Cake? It’s that delightful combination of sweet and tangy pineapple, buttery goodness, and a bit of nostalgia that brings memories flooding back. Well, I have something that takes all that deliciousness and transforms it into a donut! Yes, you heard right! These Pineapple Upside Down Donuts are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a fun, whimsical take on a classic dessert that you can enjoy any time of day.
Every time I whip up a batch, I’m transported back to family gatherings where my mom would bring out her famous pineapple upside down cake, and everyone would swoon. These donuts capture that same essence but are oh-so-much easier to share and enjoy. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them just a tad healthier (hey, I’ll take any excuse!). So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to it!
What’s in Pineapple Upside Down Donuts?
– All-Purpose Flour: The base for our donuts. I always use unbleached for a richer flavor.
– Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that gives our donuts their delightful sweetness.
– Baking Powder: This helps our donuts rise, making them fluffy and light.
– Baking Soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder to give a perfect lift.
– Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
– Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, rich flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully.
– Buttermilk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender. If you don’t have any, just add a bit of vinegar to regular milk to create a quick substitute.
– Unsalted Butter: This adds depth and a hint of richness. Always use unsalted for better control over flavor.
– Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to our donuts.
– Crushed Pineapple: The star of the show! It brings that tropical taste we all love. Make sure to drain it well!
– Maraschino Cherries: These little beauties are the finishing touch, adding a pop of color and flavor on top.
– Brown Sugar: Sprinkle this at the bottom for that classic caramel flavor that ties everything together.
Is Pineapple Upside Down Donuts Good for You?
While I wouldn’t classify these donuts as “health food,” there are some positives!
– Pineapple: This tropical fruit is rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid digestion and even boost your immune system.
– Buttermilk: It’s lower in calories than regular milk and adds a tangy flavor that makes your donuts a bit healthier.
– Egg: Offers a good source of protein, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
That said, these donuts do contain sugar and butter, so it’s all about moderation! Maybe save these for a breakfast treat or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Donuts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– Maraschino cherries for topping
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
This recipe makes about 12 delightful donuts.
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Donuts?
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease that donut pan. Trust me; you don’t want your donuts to get stuck!
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until everything is well combined.
4. Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir gently until just combined. Careful not to overmix here; we want fluffy donuts, not chewy ones!
5. Now, sprinkle about a teaspoon of brown sugar into the bottom of each donut cavity. This will caramelize beautifully while baking.
6. Evenly distribute the crushed pineapple over the brown sugar in each cavity.
7. Spoon the donut batter over the pineapple in each donut cavity, filling them about 2/3 full.
8. Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. You will know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
9. Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before carefully flipping them onto a serving plate.
10. Now, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each donut for garnish and serve warm.
Enjoy your Pineapple Upside Down Donuts, my friends! They’re sure to bring smiles all around!
A Little Extra Magic!
If you want to take these donuts to the next level, consider making a simple glaze out of powdered sugar and pineapple juice. Drizzle it on top for a beautiful, shiny finish. And feel free to get creative! Swap out the crushed pineapple for other tropical fruits, like mango or coconut, for a fun variation.
I truly hope you try this recipe and bring some sunshine into your kitchen. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special occasion, these donuts are bound to make everyone’s day just a bit brighter. Enjoy baking and eating these delicious treats, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me! 🍍✨
