Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Churros

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the caramelized pineapple filling:

• 1 ripe pineapple, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)

For the streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

Make the dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Caramelize the pineapple:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sliced pineapple, light brown sugar, and unsalted butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 10-12 minutes).
3. If using dark rum, stir it in after cooking.
4. Let cool to room temperature.

Make the streusel topping:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar.
2. Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.

Assemble and fry the churros:

1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut into long strips (about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long).
4. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels.

Fill with caramelized pineapple:

1. Once churros are slightly cooled, fill a piping bag with the cooled pineapple mixture.
2. Pipe into the fried churros through a small opening.

Top with streusel topping:

1. Sprinkle streusel crumbs over the top of each filled churro.

Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
• Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped fresh pineapple on top.