Dole Whip Cupcakes (Printable Version)
Tropical pineapple cupcakes with a light, fluffy crumb and creamy pineapple-whip frosting, garnished with dried pineapple or cherries.
# 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
08 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
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 (Optional)
17 - Dried pineapple flowers or wedges
18 - Maraschino cherries
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
04 - Stir in crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Mix in pineapple juice, vanilla, and food coloring if using. Beat on high until light and fluffy.
09 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously. Garnish with dried pineapple flowers or maraschino cherries, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The pineapple flavor hits you twice: once in the cake and again in that ridiculously creamy frosting.
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes so you can pull these off on a weeknight without drama.
- They look impressive with minimal decorating skill because the bright yellow frosting does all the work for you.
02 -
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly or the extra moisture will make the cupcakes sink in the center.
- Adding the pineapple juice to the frosting gradually lets you control the consistency so it stays pipeable.
- Room temperature butter and cream cheese are non negotiable for a smooth frosting without lumps.
03 -
- Use a large closed star piping tip to swirl the frosting and mimic the look of soft serve Dole Whip.
- A tablespoon of sour cream in the batter adds extra moisture if your oven tends to run hot and dry things out.