Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings stacked on a white plate with golden caramelized glaze.

Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings are the ultimate tropical twist on classic donuts—crispy, caramelized, and bursting with pineapple flavor!

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown ring of sweet potato donut topped with caramelized pineapple and brown sugar glaze. These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings are the perfect fusion of comfort food and tropical flavor. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or a holiday twist, they bring together the sweetness of baked donuts and the classic upside-down cake magic.

For more creative spins on pineapple desserts, you can check out this pineapple cake idea on AllRecipes or browse unique sweet potato recipes on EatingWell. Your guests will never forget this sweet and savory creation from BrandiRecipes.com.

Ingredients

For the Donut Rings:

  • 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (roasted and cooled)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Upside Topping:

  • 1 can pineapple rings (drained and patted dry)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Batter

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Caramelize the Pineapple Topping

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat.
  2. Lightly grease a nonstick donut pan or ring molds. Spoon about a tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture into the bottom of each cavity.
  3. Place one pineapple ring on top of the brown sugar. Optionally, add a cherry in the center.

Step 3: Add the Batter and Bake

  1. Spoon the donut batter over the pineapple layer, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. Let cool for 5 minutes, then gently invert the donuts onto a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

  • Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or maple glaze after cooling.
  • Spice it up: Add ginger or allspice for deeper fall flavor.
  • Use fresh pineapple: For an even brighter flavor, use fresh thin-sliced pineapple instead of canned.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

For more upside-down ideas, check out Delish’s recipe list or Tasty’s pineapple dessert guides.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven to serve warm.

Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: Makes 10–12 donut rings

Tools Used

  • Donut pan or silicone ring molds
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Saucepan
  • Cooling rack

Discover More Recipes

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings are more than just a dessert—they’re a statement piece for your holiday table or family breakfast. They’re filled with natural sweetness, spiced flavor, and topped with the glossy appeal of pineapple upside-down cake. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with a creative treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

For more unique ideas and updates, visit BrandiRecipes.com and keep exploring new favorites!

Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings stacked on a white plate with golden caramelized glaze.

Name: Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings

Summary: A tropical twist on the classic donut — made with sweet potato batter, caramelized pineapple rings, and rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled, boiled & mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 8 –10 pineapple rings drained
  • Extra brown sugar & butter for bottom glaze

Equipment

  • Equipment: Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, oven

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
  3. In a bowl, mash the boiled sweet potatoes until smooth.
  4. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and whisk until smooth.
  7. In each donut cavity, place a pineapple ring and sprinkle with a little brown sugar and butter.
  8. Pour batter over the pineapple ring to fill the donut cavity.
  9. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and set.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes, then gently flip onto a tray to reveal the caramelized pineapple.
  11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Notes:
These donut rings can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.