pineapple upside down cinnamon rolls

Overview Recipe Name: Pineapple Upside-Down Cinnamon RollsPrep Time: 25 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesAdditional Time (Rising/Resting): 1 hourTotal Time: ~2 hoursServings: 12 rollsDifficulty: ModerateBest For: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert These Pineapple Upside-Down Cinnamon Rolls are a tropical twist on two classic favorites: pineapple upside-down cake and homemade cinnamon rolls. The sticky caramelized pineapple topping is rich and

Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking dish or large round pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Knife or dough cutter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pineapple Upside-Down Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices (reserve juice)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });
2. Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour and salt. Add in the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough Knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
4. First Rise Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(121); });

Step 2: Make the Topping

1. While the dough is rising, prepare your delicious pineapple topping.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the brown sugar and stir until smooth and bubbly (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(123); });
5. Arrange pineapple rings over the brown sugar mixture. You can overlap them slightly or trim them to fit more.
6. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring if using. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(125); });
2. Melt the butter separately.
3. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle approximately 16 x 12 inches on a lightly floured surface.
4. Brush the melted butter over the dough.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
3. Place the rolls gently on top of the pineapple topping in the pan, cut side up. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); });
4. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be slightly golden and firm to the touch.
3. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a large serving platter or tray. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); });
4. Tip: Place the serving platter over the baking pan and flip both together quickly to prevent the gooey topping from spilling.

Nutrition

Calories: ~320 kcal · Protein: 4g · Fat: 14g · Carbohydrates: 45g · Saturated Fat: 8g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 25g · Sodium: 170mg