Dole Whip Cupcakes (Printable)
Tropical pineapple cupcakes topped with light pineapple-whip frosting and optional dried pineapple or cherry 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, at room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well drained (reserve juice)
08 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice, from reserved or fresh
09 - 1/4 cup 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
17 - Dried pineapple flowers or wedges, for garnish
18 - Maraschino cherries, for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light in color and fluffy in consistency.
04 - Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
05 - Stir in crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture until combined.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing.
07 - Evenly divide the batter among cupcake liners. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
09 - For the frosting, blend softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed, then add pineapple juice, vanilla, and food coloring if desired. Beat until the mixture is airy and light.
10 - Once cupcakes are fully cooled, generously apply frosting. Garnish with dried pineapple flowers or maraschino cherries according to preference.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- If you're after sunshine on a cloudy day, the pineapple frosting is a cheerful secret that never fails to spark joy.
- It's a reliable way to make any gathering or afternoon snack feel spontaneous and carefree.
02 -
- "Just a splash" of pineapple juice can turn the frosting runny—measure with care, not guesswork.
- Letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting saves you from sliding, melted catastrophes.
03 -
- I always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the smoothest frosting—cold ingredients give you lumps.
- Mixing batter by hand for the last few turns helps avoid overmixing and keeps the crumb tender.