These donut rings are a delightful mashup of classic pineapple upside-down cake and cozy sweet potato donuts. Each ring features a caramelized pineapple topping baked into a moist, spiced sweet potato batter. The result? A golden, tender donut with a burst of tropical sunshine in every bite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, these baked beauties are easy to make and impossible to forget. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe brings nostalgic comfort and vibrant flavor to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Donut Batter:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Caramel glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp caramel sauce + 1 tsp milk)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions:
🥄 Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
If you’re starting from scratch, pierce a large sweet potato and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes or boil until fork-tender. Peel and mash to yield 1 cup. Let cool completely before using.
🔥 Step 2: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard donut pan to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin works too—just adjust the bake time slightly.
🍍 Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
🧁 Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This spice blend adds warmth and depth to the donuts.
🌀 Step 5: Combine and Fill the Pan
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the donuts dense. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
⏲️ Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack so the pineapple side is on top.
🍬 Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel glaze, or sprinkle with chopped nuts or toasted coconut for extra flair. These toppings add texture and visual appeal, making your donuts even more irresistible.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast: Pair with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Brunch: Serve alongside tropical smoothies or iced coffee.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Snack: Enjoy with a cup of chai or spiced tea.
Tips for Success:
- Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for vibrant color and flavor.
- Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy batter.
- Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the texture light.
- Let donuts cool slightly before serving to help the pineapple topping set.
These donut rings are sunshine in edible form—warm, nostalgic, and full of personality. Want to try a sugar-free version next time or swirl in some coconut cream? I’ve got ideas that’ll keep your oven busy and your taste buds dancing! 😄