Dole Whip Cupcakes (Printable)
Light pineapple-forward cupcakes crowned with fluffy pineapple whip frosting and optional tropical garnishes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained and juice reserved
08 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
09 - 1/4 cup whole milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pineapple Whip Frosting
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Yellow gel food coloring, optional
→ Decoration (Optional)
17 - Dried pineapple flowers or wedges
18 - Maraschino cherries
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with 12 paper cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until mixture is pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated after each addition.
04 - Stir in drained crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract until mixture is thoroughly combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until batter forms. Take care not to overmix to ensure tender cupcakes.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared liners in the muffin tin. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
08 - In a clean bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar on low speed, blending until fully combined. Add pineapple juice, vanilla extract, and yellow food coloring if desired. Whip on high speed until frosting is light and fluffy.
09 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread frosting generously. Garnish with dried pineapple flowers or maraschino cherries as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Each bite is an instant mood lift, like sunshine in dessert form.
- The pineapple frosting is so creamy and fresh, it’s impossible to eat just one.
02 -
- If the pineapple isn’t drained well enough, your cupcakes can turn dense and sticky.
- Letting both the butter and cream cheese come to true room temperature makes the smoothest, fluffiest frosting imaginable.
03 -
- A gentle hand with folding is the secret to light, airy cupcakes every time.
- Cream cheese frosting pipes best if you chill it for fifteen minutes right before decorating.