Tropical Pineapple Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Line cupcake tin with 18 cupcake liners and set aside.
3. 3
   In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
4. 4
   Beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
5. 5
   Add the vanilla and eggs one at a time until well combined.
6. 6
   Add the flour mixture alternating with the milk.
7. 7
   Mix until just combined.
8. 8
   Add 1 teaspoon of batter to the bottom of each cupcake liner. Add a cherry.
9. 9
   Top with 1 tablespoon of batter.
10. 10
    NOTE: This batter is thick. In order to spread the batter easily dip finger tips in water. Then spread.
11. 11
    Add 4 pieces of pineapple. (that will be originally 2 chunks cut in half)
12. 12
    Top with another tablespoon of batter.
13. 13
    NOTE: You'll need to use the same spreading method you did for the first layer.
14. 14
    Bake 20 - 23 minutes.
15. 15
    Cool on wire rack in cupcake pans.
16. 16
    Frost with pineapple cream cheese frosting when completely cooled.
17. 17
    Top with a pineapple wedge (optional).
18. 18
    For the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting:
19. 19
    Cream together the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the vanilla and pineapple and mix until well combined. Add the confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time. Store frosted goods in the refrigerator.