Description
Delight in these irresistible Pineapple Upside Down Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft tangzhong dough, rich brown sugar caramel, and sweet pineapple rings topped with maraschino cherries. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these rolls combine tropical flavors with classic cinnamon roll goodness, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Tangzhong:
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup bread flour
Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 3 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- Tangzhong from above
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Brown Sugar Caramel Base:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch fine sea salt
- 12 pineapple rings, drained and patted dry
- 12 maraschino cherries
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and bread flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 5 minutes until it forms a paste-like slurry. Scrape into a bowl and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dough Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, egg, vanilla bean paste, and the cooled tangzhong.
- Knead the Dough: Using the dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms. Gradually add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more. Continue kneading for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place seam-side down in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt brown sugar, butter, and salt. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.
- Assemble Caramel Base: Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of caramel in four rows of three spots on the pan bottom. Place pineapple rings on each spot and press a maraschino cherry into the center of each ring.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15×21 inch rectangle, with the longest side closest to you. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top.
- Form Rolls: Use a pizza cutter to cut twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip tightly away from you and place each cinnamon roll atop a pineapple ring in the pan.
- Second Proof: Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours or until the rolls double in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake for 40 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 185°F in the center rolls.
- Cool Rolls: Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes while preparing the glaze.
- Make Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Invert and Serve: Place a parchment-lined baking sheet on top of the pan. Carefully invert the pan onto the sheet, remove the baking pan, drizzle with vanilla glaze, and serve warm.
Notes
- Measure your dry ingredients properly: Avoid scooping flour directly. Fluff flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off for accuracy. Using a kitchen scale for best results is recommended.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To retain moisture, place a wet paper towel in the container but not touching the rolls. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave in short 20-second intervals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg