pineapple cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for frosting)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from crushed pineapple)
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for added texture and flavor)

For the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (reserved from crushed pineapple)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using shredded coconut, gently fold it in as well.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
11. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined and smooth.
13. Stir in the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice until fully incorporated into the frosting.
14. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting.
15. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh pineapple or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added decoration and flavor.
16. Serve and enjoy these delicious Pineapple Cupcakes as a delightful tropical treat!

These Pineapple Cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering, with their moist texture, tropical flavor, and creamy frosting. Enjoy!