01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Stir in vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, and pineapple juice.
06 - Gradually mix in half the dry ingredients, then the milk, then the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
07 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
08 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
09 - Beat chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
10 - Add powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Tint with yellow food coloring if desired.
11 - Pipe or spread the whipped frosting generously on cooled cupcakes.
12 - Garnish with pineapple wedges or maraschino cherries, if desired.