Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan assisted ovens)/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease 2 x 12-hole non-stick muffin trays and line the base of each with a small circle of baking paper.
2. Melt the butter in a small pan. Remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar. Drop half a teaspoonful of the butter and sugar mixture into each muffin hole. Cut each pineapple slice into 8 small pieces. Arrange 5 pieces of pineapple in each muffin hole. (There will be a few pieces left over that can be added to a few of the holes as extras.)
3. Mix the cake mix, oil, water and eggs gently together in a bowl, then whisk (by hand or electric mixer) for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Divide the mixture evenly between each muffin hole.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the cakes are risen and golden and a skewer inserted into 1 cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave in the tin for 2-3 minutes, then run a small palette knife around each cake to loosen. Place a baking sheet over each muffin tray and invert each tray and sheet to release the cakes. Allow to cool until warm or completely cool.
5. To serve, pipe a swirl, or spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top of each warm or cold cake and top with a cherry. Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Tips

• Place the muffin trays on preheated baking sheets in the oven – this extra boost of heat will help to make the butter and sugar mixture caramelise thoroughly during baking.
• To reheat any chilled and stored cakes, warm for a few seconds in the microwave or in a moderate oven for 10-15 minutes.