Are you craving a taste of sunshine? Then look no further! These Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shots are the perfect bite-sized treat that delivers all the joy of a classic pineapple upside-down cake in a fun, easy-to-make format. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight indulgence, these little gems are surprisingly quick to whip up, requiring minimal baking time and even less cleanup. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these adorable and undeniably delicious dessert shots!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use paper liners. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the topping. Stir in the brown sugar until combined and bubbly. Divide the buttery brown sugar mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
- Arrange Pineapple: Arrange pineapple chunks on top of the brown sugar mixture in each muffin cup.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Carefully spoon the cake batter over the pineapple in each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake shots cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shots:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cake shots. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh pineapple: If you have fresh pineapple, feel free to use it instead of canned! Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake batter and the topping.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or macadamia nuts would be a delicious addition to the batter.
- Use different fruit: Try substituting the pineapple with peaches, cherries, or a combination of fruits.
- Make it a cocktail: Add a splash of rum or pineapple juice to the batter for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
These Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors makes them a perfect ending to any meal or a delightful snack any time of day. Enjoy!