Super Cute Luau Pineapple Cupcakes
These pineapple themed cupcakes are super cute and easy to make. If your attending a luau, looking for a fun summer cupcake treat or simple want a pineapple cupcake topper then your in the right place!
Pineapple cupcakes not only look super cute, they taste delicious and tasty. Whether you bake your own cupcakes or purchase ready made ones from the store, this fun pineapple cupcake decorating idea is one you'll not want to miss.
Enjoy this summer cupcake recipe and have a fabulous week!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Tropical & Sweet: Pineapple Cupcakes are bursting with fresh, juicy pineapple flavor—perfect for a luau or summer party.
- Light & Fluffy: These cupcakes are soft, moist, and a great balance of sweetness and tang.
- Easy to Decorate: Top with coconut flakes, a cherry, or a little umbrella for extra island vibes.
What Is a Luau?
Have you ever been to a Hawaiian Luau party? If not you may be wondering what is a luau? A Luau is in simple terms an Hawaiian party or feast.
At a Hawaiian Luau you may find special food such as poi, Kalua, pig, poke, loom salmon, opine and haupia.
Along with Hawaiian food a Luau usually has fun entertainment, such as traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancing..
These super cute Pineapple Hawaiian themed cupcakes are an easy luau Hawaiian party food idea. Enjoy! Be sure to check out your kitchen supply store for any supplies you might need!
🥚Ingredients Needed for Your Luau Cupcakes
- 1 boxed yellow cake mix
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice
- 2 to 3 cups vanilla frosting in yellow.
- Pineapple top printable, printed on card stock
- Toothpicks
- Clear tape
You will also need:
- Large open star tip (Wilton 1M Open Star Piping Tip)
- Piping bag
- Cupcake liners
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free twist: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk for the frosting.
- Flavor swap: Try using coconut cake mix for an extra tropical vibe.
- Topping ideas: Swap pineapple tops for paper umbrellas or tropical fruit slices.
- Extra sweetness: Add shredded coconut to the frosting or on top for a fun texture and extra flavor!
🔪How to Make Pineapple Cupcakes for Your Luau
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Spritz with non-stick cooking spray. (This recipe makes approximately 16 cupcakes.)
Mix together the cake mix and crushed pineapple with juice. Divide evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
Pipe frosting over cupcake in a circular direction working from the center of the cupcake towards the outside and back to the center.
Attach each pineapple top to a toothpick using clear tape. Press into the cupcake.
Alternatively, if you plan to serve immediately and printed on card stock, you can press the pineapple top directly into the cupcake.
Your cupcakes are now ready to serve!
Download Your Free Pineapple Cupcake Topper Printable Here.
You May Also Enjoy:
Please pin these fantastic pineapple themed cupcakes
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Mix crushed pineapple with juice into the cake batter for extra moisture and a natural tropical flavor no need for added oils!
- When piping frosting, go for a swirl pattern starting from the center for that fluffy, beachy look.
- Add some fun by sticking a mini pineapple topper (or little paper umbrella) into each cupcake instant island vibes!
💭 FAQs
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Any longer and they might lose their tropical charm!
Yep! Just be sure to finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain any excess juice to keep the batter from getting too soggy.
Nope, the cupcakes are delicious without it, but those cute toppers really bring out the luau vibes! They're totally worth it for the extra fun factor.
Definitely! Bake the cupcakes and frost them ahead of time. Just add the pineapple toppers right before serving to keep everything fresh and fabulous!
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite treats to serve with Pineapple Cupcakes:
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh mango, kiwi, and coconut for a tropical burst of flavor.
- Mai Tai Mocktail: A fun, fruity drink that pairs perfectly with the island vibe.
- Coconut Macaroons: The chewy coconut sweetness is a delightful match for the cupcakes.
- Grilled Pineapple: A little caramelized pineapple for extra tropical goodness.
🍜 Related Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
These are so cute! I can't seem to get the .pdf to download though.
So you don’t add the egg or oil to the cake mix? Just the pineapple?
correct