Hey Disney friends! It’s Father’s Day in the USA this weekend, and if you’re anything like me, life has been moving at full speed lately. If the big day has crept up on you and you’re still looking for a way to celebrate your favorite Disney Dad, don’t worry; there are plenty of easy ways to make him feel special. Whether you’re spending the day in the Disney Parks or celebrating from home, these last-minute ideas can help you create some magical Father’s Day memories without adding extra stress to your day.
Missing a Gift? Do Some Virtual Shopping!
When I’m shopping for gifts, sometimes I wish I could get just a little input from the person I’m buying for. If you didn’t manage to pick up a Father’s Day gift in time, turn it into an activity instead! Grab a refreshing drink, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and take Dad on a virtual Disney shopping trip. Whether he’s been eyeing a Disney-themed Citizen watch, a fun piece from Cakeworthy, or something else entirely, you can browse together and narrow down the options like it was the plan all along. It’s especially fun if you have an upcoming Disney vacation on the horizon and want to pick out something he’ll be able to enjoy during the trip. Don’t forget about those Corkcicle Toy Story canteens we shared earlier this month, too!
Need a Sweet Treat? Try This Disney Recipe
Earlier this month, Disney Parks shared a recipe I’ve been saving for just the right occasion. The Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake from Plaza Inn is part of Disneyland Resort’s ‘Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes’ offerings, and it looks like the perfect way to bring a little Disney magic into your home kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as dessert after dinner or making it the centerpiece of an afternoon family gathering, it’s a delicious way to celebrate.
Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake Recipe
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups diced fresh or canned pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- whipped cream, for serving
- 12 maraschino cherries, for serving
Instructions
Topping
- Grease 12 mini bundt or muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
- Stir brown sugar and melted butter together in a small bowl. Place 2 teaspoons of butter mixture in the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Place 2 1/2 tablespoons diced pineapple and 2 teaspoons chopped maraschino cherries on top of butter mixture in each muffin cup. Set side.
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla and mix for 1 minute on medium speed.
- Reduce speed to low. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/2 of the pineapple juice. Repeat until all pineapple juice and flour are used.
- Pour batter evenly over the diced pineapple and butter in muffin tins.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully flip muffin tin over to remove cakes. Top each cake with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
Visiting the Disney Parks? Let Dad Set the Tone
With all the planning that goes into a Disney day, sometimes Dad ends up simply going along with everyone else’s plans. Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to hand over the reins and let him choose how the day unfolds. Maybe that means a round of golf, a relaxing tasting flight, a favorite attraction, or a stop for a snack he’s been craving. I’ll admit that I can be guilty of taking over the itinerary, but some of our best vacation memories have come from letting someone else lead the way. You never know what new favorite experience you might discover.
Don’t Have a Trip on the Calendar? Start Planning One!
There is something so exciting about those first moments when a Disney vacation goes from an idea to an actual plan. Gather the family around the table, pull out the calendar, and make Dad the star of your next Disney planning session. Whether you’re dreaming up a quick weekend getaway or mapping out a bigger adventure down the road, it’s a fun way to spend time together while creating something exciting to look forward to. And while you’re planning? You might as well enjoy a slice of that Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake, too! Of course, don’t forget to let our lovely friends at Dreams Unlimited Travel give you a free quote with no obligation and no additional cost to your vacation.
No matter how you’re celebrating today, I hope your Disney Dad knows just how appreciated he is. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones that come wrapped in a box, but the time spent together making memories. From all of us, Happy Father’s Day to the Disney dads, grandfathers, and father figures who help make the magic happen all year long!
Feature Image: Disney
