A Simple Way to Make Gatherings Shine & You, the Hostess Hero!

Between work deadlines, carpools, and trying to keep a little “you time,” who really has hours to spend baking a complicated dessert? Yet, when friends drop by for a casual get-together—whether it’s a book club, mom’s night out, or a simple weekend hang—you want something that looks like you nailed it.  At FEAST, we believe that bringing people together around good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughter is what makes life sweeter—without all the stress.That’s where these Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bites come in: golden, caramel-soaked cake muffins topped with a juicy pineapple bite (and that classic cherry pop). They’re fast enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for company, and shareable enough to keep the conversation flowing.

A tray of Mini Upside-Down Cake Bites at our Ladies Night event—each one shining with caramel glaze and a cherry top.

Why These Cake Bites Are a Crowd-Pleaser

• Quick & Easy Prep
  From mixing to plating in under 45 minutes, these little muffins free you up to catch up with friends or relax while they bake.

• Bite-Sized & Shareable
  Each two-bite portion is just the right mix of tender cake, sticky caramel, and tangy pineapple—no fork required.

• Visually Inviting
  That jaunty cherry on top and glossy caramel finish instantly elevate your spread, making guests feel like you went the extra mile.

When these showed up at our most recent Ladies Night at FEAST, people kept circling back for one more. But don’t feel limited to “ladies only” events—picture these at your Fourth of July pool party, a backyard barbecue, or a treat for the new neighbor next door. Wherever you gather, they make it feel a little more festive.

What You’ll Need

Topping Layer (Caramel, Pineapple + a Cherry)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 can (14 oz) pineapple rings, drained & cut into quarters (reserve juice)

• 36 maraschino cherries, drained

Cake Batter
We used a box of yellow cake mix and substituted the water for pineapple juice but you're more than welcomed to make from scratch using the ingredients below!

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ te

• aspoon salt

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (room temp)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can)

• ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2%)

(Tip: For a gluten-free swap, use a 1:1 GF flour blend and a pinch of xanthan gum.)

Everything lined up and ready—eggs, pineapple tidbits, cherries, and that trusty cake-mix vibe.

How to Make Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bites

1. Preheat &Prep the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

• Lightly grease a 36-cup mini muffin tin or line each cup with a paper liner.

2. Build the Caramel–Pineapple Base

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup butter.

2. Stir in ¾ cup light brown sugar until it dissolves and becomes slightly bubbly.

3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel into each mini muffin cup—just enough to coat the bottom.

4. Lay a couple of pineapple tidbits on top of the caramel, then pop a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple piece. *For the mini-muffin tins, we found cutting the cherries in half allowed for more cake batter.

Brown sugar melting into butter—this bubbling caramel base is the foundation for that gorgeous “upside-down” effect.

Pineapple quarters and cherries nestled in caramel—already delicious.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients (or just follow directions on the box mix!)

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
    (just a quick whisk until it’s all combined.)

4. Cream Butter & Sugar

1. In a stand mixer (or a large bowl with an electric mixer), cream ⅓ cup softened butter with ⅔ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

2. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined.

3. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5. Combine Dry & Wet

• With the mixer on low speed (or by gently folding with a spatula), add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately:

  1. One-third of the flour mixture

  2. Half of the liquid (½ cup pineapple juice + ⅓ cup milk)

  3. Another third of the flour mixture

  4. Remaining pineapple juice + milk

  5. Final third of the flour mixture

• Mix just until no white streaks remain—overmixing can make these little muffins tough. You want a smooth, slightly thick batter.

That silky batter dripping off the mixer—perfect consistency for scooping into each well.

6. Scoop, Bake & Flip

1. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full, being careful not to jostle the pineapple layer.

2. Bake 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

3. Straight from the oven, run a thin knife around each edge to loosen the cakes.

4. Place a baking sheet or wire rack over the tin, then flip it so each muffin lands pineapple-side up.

5. Let the bites cool for 5–10 minutes—this lets the caramel set just enough so they hold their shape.

Scooping batter over the pineapple and cherry layer—this is the moment flavors merge into something unforgettable.

Freshly baked, with caramel peeking around the edges—a reminder that sometimes the messiest parts are the tastiest.

The grand reveal—mini cake bites flipped and cooling.

Hosting Tips & Inspiration

• Serve on a Pretty Platter
  Arrange your cake bites on a tiered tray or a colorful board. Scatter fresh mint or edible flowers around them to make your table feel festive—even if it’s a casual get-together.

• Pair with a Refreshing Drink
  These bites pop next to a sparkling wine, pineapple-mint iced tea, or a light tropical punch. The fresh flavors echo that tangy pineapple sweetness in each cake bite.

• Include a Thoughtful Touch
  Hand-write a little card: “Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bites.” It’s a small detail that makes guests feel cared for—exactly what FEAST is all about.

Use your imagination—family movie night, a simple porch brunch, a casual drop-in with neighbors—wherever you gather, these little bites help you set the stage for connection, laughter, and good conversation.

A Friendly Call to Gather

Once the table is set, the tableware chosen, and those cakes bites are cooling, it’s time for the best part: calling everyone over and sharing a bite. When you bring just a touch of warmth and sweetness to the table, it transforms any gathering into something special. So grab your platter, gather your people, and— let’s feast, y’all!