Dole Whip Cupcakes (Printable)
Tropical cupcakes with crushed pineapple and creamy pineapple whip frosting—bright, fluffy, and easy to make.
# 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, drained (reserve juice)
08 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from can or fresh)
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
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
04 - Stir the crushed pineapple, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until even.
05 - Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
08 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then mix in 1/4 cup pineapple juice, vanilla extract, and food coloring if desired. Continue beating on high until frosting is light and fluffy.
09 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously. Garnish with dried pineapple flowers or maraschino cherries if preferred.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It brings summer vibes straight to your kitchen no matter the weather outside
- The pineapple frosting is so good you’ll find yourself sneaking tastes before decorating
02 -
- I once made the mistake of skipping the chill time for the frosting—patience keeps it from sliding right off the cupcakes
- Draining the pineapple thoroughly was the game-changer that kept my cupcakes from turning out dense
03 -
- Always reserve extra pineapple juice in case your frosting needs loosening
- Sifting powdered sugar not only prevents lumps but makes the final frosting ultra smooth