Pineapple Upside Down Bites

Craving a creative dessert beyond the ordinary? Check out these Pineapple Upside Down Bites—perfect for snacking, binge-watching your favorite show, or transporting your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

These bite-sized cakes are not just delicious; they’re easy to make! They’re beginner friendly, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare. Whether it's brunch with family, a picnic in the park, an afternoon indulgence, or the finale to your family dinner, these miniature delights easily bring loved ones together, without too much effort on your part!

The melt-in-your-mouth quality of Pineapple Upside Down Bites, coupled with the irresistible combination of sweet pineapple, brown sugar and cherry, makes them a delight for all ages. 

Versatile and Customizable

Beyond being easy to make, these bites are versatile, allowing for customization to suit various tastes. Switch up the cherries with whole walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist. For the adults, soak pineapple rings in rum before use, or add a spicy kick with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.

How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Bites

Start your baking adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F for 10-15 minutes. 

Grab a 24-muffin pan and use either cupcake liners or a generous coating of cooking spray. Gently press the liners into the pan for a snug fit, ensuring easy removal and mess-free baking.

Sweeten it Up

Pat drained pineapple slices and cherries  dry to absorb excess moisture. Arrange pineapple rings at the bottom of each muffin cup, placing a cherry in the middle. This ensures a crisp and caramelized top without sogginess.

Melt butter, stir in brown sugar, and create a caramel-like mixture. Pour it over the pineapple and cherries.

Can you use fresh pineapples instead of canned pineapples?

While canned pineapples are convenient and already cut, fresh pineapple can also be used. Ideally, you want to cut them in the same ring shape so they fit in the muffin tin, and ensure they’re sliced thinly enough so they heat all the way through.

Add King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Separate King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, cut them in half lengthwise, and place one half on top of the brown sugar mixture in each muffin pan slot. The sweet and soft roll creates a perfect base, offering a contrast to the pineapples and cherries.

Time to ‘Bake’ Action!

Into the preheated oven they go, baking for 7-10 minutes until achieving a golden hue. Keep a watchful eye to prevent burning.

Once cooked, let your Pineapple Upside Down Bites cool for 5 minutes before carefully inverting the muffin pan onto a serving platter. Revel in the visual feast of golden sweet rolls, pineapple, and cherries.

Enjoy the bites as they are or garnish. Sprinkle powdered sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven.

If you happen to have leftovers (or want to set some aside to enjoy for yourself later), they’re easy to save! To store, ensure your bites are cooled completely, wrap each in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal texture and flavor.

You can also freeze your bites to keep them longer, but ensure thorough wrapping to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. 

These Pineapple Upside Down Bites are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Simple to make and versatile in flavor, they’re a tropical escape for your taste buds. So, embrace the sweetness and creativity in your kitchen, and try Pineapple Upside Down Bites!