Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings


Ingredients

  • 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for caramel topping)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for caramel topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well.
  2. Make the caramel topping: In a small pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly and combined.
  3. Add pineapple: Place a small spoonful of caramel into each donut mold. Lay a pineapple ring on top of the caramel in each mold. If desired, place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk mashed sweet potato, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fill molds: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly over the pineapple rings in the donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
  9. Cool & invert: Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack or tray so the pineapple side is up.
  10. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a sweet, fruity twist on classic donuts!

Would you like a version for frying instead of baking, or tips for a glaze?

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