Pineapple Cupcakes: A Tropical Delight for Your Taste Buds

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and minimal cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate Pineapple Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the pineapple juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to maintain a smooth batter. Finally, fold in the crushed pineapple, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Fill and Bake Place brown sugar at the bottom of the tin then put pineapple on top, divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the pineapple cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the pineapple frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the pineapple juice and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes Once the pineapple cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to frost them generously. For an extra touch, garnish each cupcake with a small pineapple slice or cherry.