Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings

Ingredients

For the Donut Batter:

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

For the Pineapple Topping:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • Pineapple rings (sliced to fit the donut mold)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar until smooth.
    • Pour about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each donut cavity.
    • Place a pineapple ring (cut to fit if needed) over the brown sugar mix, and place a maraschino cherry in the center (optional).
  2. Make the Donut Batter:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
    • In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  3. Assemble:
    • Spoon the batter over the pineapple layer in each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.
    • Allow to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to reveal the pineapple topping.
  5. Serve:
    • Best served slightly warm. Enjoy as-is or with a drizzle of honey or glaze!

Let me know if you’d like a version that’s gluten-free, air-fried, or vegan!

Leave a Comment