Oh my goodness, my friends! You are absolutely going to love this treat I’m about to share with you. The joy of making **Pineapple Upside Down Mini Monkey Bread** fills my heart with happiness, and I simply can’t keep it to myself any longer. This recipe combines the classic flavors of the beloved pineapple upside-down cake with the delightful pull-apart goodness of monkey bread. Trust me; it’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!”
I remember the first time I made these mini wonders. It was a cozy Sunday brunch with friends. I wanted to whip up something special, yet easy, and this was the spectacular result. Everyone was wowed by the gooey, sweet pineapple and the way the warm biscuit dough hugged those flavors so perfectly. Ever since that day, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen for gatherings and celebrations. Plus, they’re so cute in their little muffin cups! So let’s dive into the deliciousness!
What’s in Pineapple Upside Down Mini Monkey Bread?
Refrigerated biscuit dough: The star of the show! I use the classic buttermilk biscuit dough because it’s fluffy and just perfect for this recipe. You can find a can at any grocery store.
Brown sugar: This is where the caramel magic happens. Packed brown sugar creates a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
Unsalted butter: Melting this brings all the sticky, gooey goodness together. I always opt for unsalted to control the saltiness in my desserts.
Sliced pineapple: Pineapple adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a lovely tropical vibe. I prefer using canned slices, but fresh pineapple is a great option too if you’re feeling fancy.
Maraschino cherries: These little red gems are an adorable finish, adding a pop of color and sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: A dash or two of cinnamon is optional but totally worth it if you want to enhance the warmth of this dish.
Cooking spray: To ensure our mini monkey breads pop out of the muffin tin cleanly, a little cooking spray goes a long way!
Is Pineapple Upside Down Mini Monkey Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect because I know it’s running through your mind! While this recipe isn’t exactly a health food, it does have some perks. The **pineapple** brings a dose of vitamins and antioxidants to the party. Just be mindful of the **brown sugar** and **butter**, as they contribute to the sweetness and richness but also to the calories. If you’re looking to lighten this up, you could experiment with reducing the sugar a tad or perhaps using a lighter biscuit dough. But honestly, it’s all about balance! Enjoy this treat in moderation, and it’ll definitely bring joy to your taste buds.
Ingredients for Pineapple Upside Down Mini Monkey Bread
– 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (8 oz) sliced pineapple, drained
– Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– Cooking spray
**Servings:** This recipe yields about 12 mini monkey bread portions, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Make Pineapple Upside Down Mini Monkey Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin generously with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until combined and smooth.
3. Evenly pour the brown sugar mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup in the prepared muffin tin.
4. Place a slice of pineapple in each muffin cup, then top it with a maraschino cherry in the center. Festive and beautiful!
5. Open the biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Little bites of happiness!
6. If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the biscuit pieces for extra flavor. Trust me; it’s worth it!
7. Roll each biscuit piece into small balls (2-3 inches in diameter) and place about 4-5 balls in each muffin cup on top of the pineapple and cherry layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
9. Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, and then carefully invert the muffin tin onto a serving plate; they should slide right out!
10. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful ooey-gooey goodness!
Little Extras for a Delicious Twist
If you want to take these mini monkey breads over the top, consider letting the sugar and butter mixture bubble slightly before adding the pineapple and biscuits. This little trick creates a beautiful caramel crust that makes them even more decadent. Want to mix things up? Feel free to add some chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added texture in the biscuit balls. Perfect for brunch or as a whimsical dessert, these mini monkey breads will bring smiles all around!
I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe and hear how it turns out for you. Gather your friends or family, and start baking! I promise it’ll create sweet memories and even sweeter smiles. Happy baking! 🍍🥳
