Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins*

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. 2
   Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
3. 3
   To prepare topping: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar into each muffin cup.
4. 4
   Sprinkle nuts, if using, over the sugar.
5. 5
   Stack pineapple slices and cut into 6 wedges.
6. 6
   Place 2 wedges in each muffin cup.
7. 7
   To prepare muffins: Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
8. 8
   Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until smooth.
9. 9
   Whisk in oil, juice, and vanilla.
10. 10
    Stir in crushed pineapple.
11. 11
    Make a well in the dry ingredients; add the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined.
12. 12
    Stir in carrot, oats, raisins, and nuts, if using.
13. 13
    Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups (they'll be quite full).
14. 14
    Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch, 15 to 25 minutes.
15. 15
    Immediately loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a baking sheet.
16. 16
    Restore any stray pineapple pieces and nuts.
17. 17
    Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
18. 18
    Serve upside down, either warm or at room temperature.
19. 19
    Makes 1 dozen muffins.