I absolutely adore these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings! They remind me of baking with my grandmother, but with my own special twist that combines those nostalgic flavors in a fun new shape.

Food memories are like treasures we carry with us, don’t you think? My journey with these donut rings started one autumn afternoon when I had leftover sweet potatoes and a craving for something sweet. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with the tropical sweetness of pineapple immediately transported me back to my grandma’s kitchen, just like the aroma of our Banana Cream Cake does every time. She always said sweet potatoes were nature’s candy, and pairing them with pineapple creates pure magic! I’ve taken her wisdom and transformed it into these delightful donut rings that bring together the best of both worlds – the comfort of sweet potato and the tropical joy of pineapple upside down cake. The moment these come out of the oven, that caramelized pineapple aroma fills the kitchen with such warmth and joy. Ready to bring a little sunshine to your baking day?

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Donut Rings

I’ve been baking these donut rings for family gatherings for years now, and they never fail to bring smiles all around the table. This recipe brings together the heartland comfort of sweet potatoes with the tropical delight of pineapple upside down cake – a combination that has deep roots in American baking traditions but with my own special twist.

Perfectly balanced flavors – The earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with tropical pineapple for a treat that’s not too sweet but incredibly satisfying.
Easier than traditional cake – I love how these donut rings bake faster than a full cake and create perfect individual servings with no cutting required!
Make-ahead friendly – I often prepare the batter the night before, so I can quickly bake these up for weekend brunches with minimal morning fuss.
Crowd-pleasing uniqueness – Every time I bring these to potlucks, they’re the first thing to disappear because they’re such a delightful surprise – familiar flavors in an unexpected form.
Versatile for any occasion – These donut rings work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea – I’ve served them at every meal and they always feel just right.

As my grandmother would say, “The best recipes are the ones that bring joy to both the baker and the eater.” These sweet potato donut rings certainly do just that!

Ingredient Note List

Sweet Potatoes: I always use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for this recipe because they provide that gorgeous color and natural sweetness that makes these donuts so special.

Brown Sugar: This gives our upside-down topping that perfect caramel-like flavor – I prefer dark brown sugar for its deeper molasses notes that complement the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Unsalted Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the exact amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Vanilla Extract: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors without overpowering – I always reach for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for that authentic warmth.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warming spices are my secret weapons for bringing out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and creating that cozy, homemade feeling.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our donut ring batter, providing structure while still allowing for a tender crumb – I measure mine by spooning lightly into the cup and leveling off.

Crushed Pineapple: This gives our upside-down topping that signature tropical sweetness and moisture – I make sure to drain it well so the donuts don’t become soggy.

Pecans: Though optional, I love the textural contrast and nutty flavor they add – my grandmother always said pecans and sweet potatoes were made for each other!

How to Make Sweet Potato Pineapple Donut Rings

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) – giving it plenty of time to reach the perfect temperature ensures even baking and that beautiful golden color.

Step 2. For the upside-down base, I combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and crushed pineapple in a bowl until well mixed – this creates that gorgeous caramelized topping that makes these donuts so special.

Step 3. I’ve found that generously greasing each cavity in the donut pan prevents any sticking issues – nothing’s more disappointing than a beautiful donut that won’t release!

Step 4. When distributing the pineapple mixture into the donut cavities, I use a small spoon to ensure it’s spread evenly around the ring shape for that perfect upside-down effect.

Step 5. For the batter, I always make sure my mashed sweet potatoes are completely cool before mixing with the other ingredients – hot potatoes can cook the eggs or melt the butter too quickly.

Step 6. My grandmother taught me to mix the dry ingredients separately first – whisking the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together ensures they’ll be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7. I gently fold in the pineapple and pecans with a rubber spatula rather than stirring vigorously – this keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can make the donuts tough.

Step 8. When filling the donut cavities, I stop at about three-quarters full to give the batter room to rise – I’ve learned from experience that overfilling leads to donuts that spill over!

How to Store & Reheat

I’ve found that these Sweet Potato Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings stay amazingly fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramelized pineapple topping helps keep them moist longer than regular donuts!

For longer storage, I recommend refrigerating them for up to 5 days. I always place them in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid to protect that beautiful pineapple topping from getting smooshed.

When it comes to reheating, my family prefers them warm, so I usually pop them in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds – any longer and they can become too soft. For a special treat, try warming them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes – this actually revives some of that fresh-baked texture and makes the pineapple topping even more luscious! Just cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Pineapple Rings

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: My family goes wild when I serve these donut rings slightly warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – the contrast of warm donut and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely heavenly! Or try pairing them with our Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes or a crisp Fresh Fruit Salad for a sweet-savory brunch twist. For a truly indulgent spread, add some Crispy Bacon on the side.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon: For brunch gatherings, I love topping these with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon – it looks fancy but takes just minutes to prepare.

Hot Coffee or Tea: There’s something so comforting about enjoying these donut rings with a steaming cup of coffee or tea – the spices in the donuts complement the warm beverages perfectly for a cozy afternoon treat.

Fresh Fruit Salad: When serving these as part of a breakfast spread, I balance their sweetness with a bright, fresh fruit salad – the tartness of berries or citrus creates a wonderful contrast to the caramelized flavors

Crispy Bacon: My husband insists these donuts taste even better alongside crispy bacon – and I have to admit, the sweet-savory combination is absolutely delicious for a special weekend breakfast!

FAQs

Can I make these without a donut pan?

I’ve successfully made this recipe in a muffin tin when I couldn’t find my donut pan – they become more like mini upside-down cakes but taste just as delicious!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! I’ve used canned sweet potatoes in a pinch – just drain them well and mash until smooth.

Why did my pineapple topping stick to the pan?

Make sure to let the donuts cool for exactly 5 minutes before flipping – too short and they’ll fall apart, too long and the topping will harden and stick.

Can I make the sweet potato mash ahead of time?

Yes! I often prepare my sweet potato mash a day or two before and keep it refrigerated until I’m ready to bake.

How can I tell when they’re perfectly done?

I always look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean – if you notice any wet batter on the toothpick, give them another 2 minutes.

Can I freeze these donut rings?

I’ve frozen them with great success! Just wrap them individually, thaw at room temperature, and warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.