I grew up loving two desserts: Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings cake. One felt earthy and cozy, the other bright and golden. One day, I mixed the two and these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings happened.
They’re soft, spiced, and unexpectedly fun. Not fancy. Just simple, nostalgic baking made easier. The kind you make on a busy afternoon and serve with a smile.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings
These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings come together in under 30 minutes and they don’t even need frosting to impress. Think of them as little golden bites of cake-like comfort with just the right mix of warm spice and tropical brightness.
Ingredients Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these donut rings to life:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients also inspired another crowd-favorite recipe on the blog: Belize Sweet Potato Rum Tres Muffins, where we use similar flavors in a rich, Caribbean twist.
Step-by-Step for Fluffy, Sweet Results
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan.
- In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, pineapple, brown and granulated sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined—don’t overmix!
- Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temp, with a smile.
If you love tender desserts that pack a punch of sweetness, you might also enjoy our Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake—another easy bake with tropical roots.
Sweet, Moist, and Unforgettable Texture
The magic of these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings is all about the texture. They’re incredibly soft—like little mini cakes—but with just the right bounce. That comes from the combo of sweet potato (for moisture) and crushed pineapple (for brightness and lift). No dry donuts here.
The Science of Soft & Sweet
Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings Baked donuts can be tricky. Skip the frying, and sometimes they end up dense or rubbery. But not this time. These stay tender thanks to:
- Mashed sweet potatoes, which lock in moisture
- Pineapple, adding natural acidity and softness
- Oil instead of butter for a lighter, cakier crumb
- Just the right ratio of leavening to flour
The result? Golden rings that taste like sunshine and holiday hugs.
It’s a texture that reminds me of those light layers in our Heavenly Boston Cream Cupcakes, where every bite stays soft, even on day two.
Pairings and Serving Tips for Every Season
Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings These donut rings are versatile, too. Serve them with brunch, or as dessert for your next fall gathering. Some fun ways to dress them up:
- Drizzle with maple glaze or cream cheese icing
- Dust with cinnamon sugar while still warm
- Add toasted coconut on top for a tropical crunch
- Serve alongside coffee or a scoop of Choco Chill Cheesecake Ice Cream Bliss for the ultimate treat
They freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream. You may want to make a double batch—you’ve been warned.Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings.
Donut Ring Twists & Make-Ahead Magic
If you’re anything like me, you like a recipe that can flex with what’s in your pantry. These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings are as forgiving as they are flavorful—and a great way to use up what you have.
Ingredient Swaps for Any Pantry
Out of pineapple? Try these simple variations:
- Swap crushed pineapple for finely chopped apples or mashed banana
- Use pumpkin puree in place of sweet potato for a fall twist
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter version kids will love
Storing and Freezing Like a Pro
To keep your donuts soft and fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (reheat gently before serving)
- Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months
To reheat, pop one in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
For a make-ahead pairing idea, try them with our No Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Oat Clusters another easy dessert you can prep in advance.Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings.
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FAQs Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for donut recipes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes just make sure they’re plain (not candied) and fully mashed. The smoother the texture, the better your donuts will bake up. If the canned version is very wet, drain off excess liquid to avoid a soggy batter.
What makes sweet potato and pineapple a good flavor combination?
Sweet potatoes offer natural earthiness and moisture, while pineapple brings brightness and acidity. Together, they create a rich, well-balanced flavor with depth and a gentle tropical note. It’s why this combo works so well in baked goods like donut rings, muffins, and cakes.
How do you prevent baked donuts from drying out?
The key is moisture-rich ingredients and not overbaking. Using oil instead of butter keeps the crumb tender, and ingredients like sweet potato and pineapple trap moisture inside. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and avoid leaving them in the oven too long.
Can you freeze sweet potato pineapple donuts for later?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store them in a single layer in the freezer until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag. They reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven and taste just as good as fresh.
Bringing It All Home
These Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings aren’t just cute and clever—they’re genuinely delicious, deeply comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re baking for brunch, gifting a treat to a neighbor, or just craving something nostalgic but new, this recipe delivers every single time.
They combine the warmth of sweet potato pie, the brightness of pineapple cake, and the fun of baked donuts—all in one golden, spiced bite. Simple ingredients, real flavor, and a texture you’ll love from the very first ring.Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings.
Save this recipe, share it, or better yet—make it today and taste the comfort for yourself.
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Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings – Easy, Moist, and Fun!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 10 donut rings 1x
- Category: Baked Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, sweet, and easy to make—these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Donut Rings are a fun twist on classic baked treats.
Ingredients
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix sweet potatoes, pineapple, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add dry to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into donut pan, 2/3 full each ring.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can use canned sweet potato puree or fresh mashed.
Optional: glaze with cinnamon vanilla icing or dust with powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sweet potato pineapple donut rings, baked donuts, sweet potato dessert
