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–+ servings
Almost like pineapple upside down cake. Two pineapple upside down cake donuts. The donuts on served on a plate with a large cup of coffee for an easy breakfast or sweet treat.
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Baked Donuts Recipe with Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Topping

Moist and delicious pineapple upside-down baked donuts with a modern twist on Grandma’s classic pineapple upside-down cake. These donuts feature a sweet, chewy golden-brown topping made with pineapple and brown sugar, paired with a tender, cake-like batter enriched with sour cream.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Canadian
Keyword baked donuts recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 donuts
Cost $6

Ingredients

Pineapple Topping Layer

  • 1 can pineapple tidbits drained well
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar

Sour Cream Cake

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3 extra large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup real sour cream full fat
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Pan and Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a standard donut pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2 – Make the Pineapple Upside-Down Topping

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and drained pineapple tidbits, stirring until the sugar is fully melted and the mixture is glossy.
    Cooking pineapple for making an upside down pineapple cake in a baked donut recipe.
  • Place equal portions of the pineapple mixture into the bottom of the 12 donut cups in the donut pan. Spread the mixture evenly with a small spoon.

Step 3 – Make the Sour Cream Donut Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Add the sugar and beat again, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the bowl between additions. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients gradually until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  • Carefully spoon the batter over the pineapple topping in each donut cavity, filling them evenly.

Step 4 – Bake and Invert the Donuts

  • Bake the donuts at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
    A tray of homemade upside down pineapple cake donuts with sour cream batter.
  • While the donuts are still hot, place a large plate or baking sheet over the donut pan. Using oven mitts, carefully flip the pan and plate together so the donuts release onto the plate. If any donuts stick, gently loosen the edges with a knife.

Notes

These pineapple upside down baked donuts, are moist and really tender.  The glaze bakes in the pan so no messy glazing to deal with.  A modern twist on Grama's melt in your mouth pineapple upside down cake recipe.