Dole Whip Cupcakes (Printable)
Tropical pineapple cupcakes with light, creamy pineapple-whip frosting and optional dried pineapple garnish.
# 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; 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs individually, beating after each addition.
04 - Stir in crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, whole milk, and vanilla extract until mixture is evenly combined.
05 - Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks remain. Do not overmix.
06 - Evenly distribute the batter among cupcake liners. 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, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled.
08 - For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to combine. Incorporate pineapple juice, vanilla, and food coloring if using. Whip on high speed until light and fluffy.
09 - Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously with pineapple whip frosting. Decorate with dried pineapple or maraschino cherries if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- If you close your eyes, the bright pineapple sweetness unexpectedly transports you to your happiest vacation spot.
- They vanish in record time at parties—friends always ask about that extra-fluffy pineapple frosting swirl.
02 -
- Once, I skipped draining the pineapple well—my cupcakes turned pudding-soft, so squeeze every last drop from the fruit.
- Letting the frosted cupcakes chill for 20 minutes before serving keeps the swirl standing tall.
03 -
- Weighing your flour means more perfect batches and fewer surprises.
- A few drops of pineapple extract in the frosting turn the volume up on tropical flavor.