Pineapple Meringue Cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple, chopped (no need to thaw)

Meringue

• 1 egg white
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Few drops vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare 4 muffin tins.

Cupcakes

1. In a bowl cream the butter, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in 1/4 cup of the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Beat in the milk.
4. Beat in the remaining flour.
5. In a small bowl beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold a small amount of the egg white into the batter.
7. Fold in the remaining egg white until completely incorporated.
8. Fold in the pineapple.
9. Fill the muffin tins 2/3 full.
10. Bake for 15 minutes - the top should just be setting.
11. While the cupcakes are baking, make the meringue.

Meringue

1. Beat the egg white until foamy.
2. Add the cream of tarter, sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until you get still shiny peaks.
3. When the cupcakes have baked for 15 minutes take them out of the oven.
4. Using knife or spatula, divide the meringue topping among the cupcakes. Use a knife to pull up and make peaks.
5. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. The meringue should be golden brown.