Description
Delightful mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes combine tropical sweetness with creamy indulgence. Caramelized pineapple nestles atop rich, velvety cheesecake, offering you a perfect bite-sized dessert that transports taste buds to culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple slices, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
Crust Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F (165C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray for optimal release.
- Create a caramelized foundation by whisking melted butter with brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
- Position a single pineapple slice at the base of each muffin cavity, then generously drizzle the sugar-butter mixture over each slice.
- Craft the cheesecake filling by blending cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
- Incorporate vanilla extract and egg into the cream cheese mixture, gently mixing until fully integrated.
- Construct the graham cracker crust by combining crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture directly atop the pineapple layer in each cup.
- Carefully distribute the cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared crust, filling each muffin cavity approximately 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a set yet slightly trembling center indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow cheesecakes to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for initial cooling.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure complete chilling and optimal texture.
- To serve, delicately loosen edges with a knife and invert onto serving plates, revealing the caramelized pineapple topping.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple slices are patted dry to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends easily.
- Press graham cracker crust gently but firmly to create a compact base that holds the cheesecake together.
- Chill cheesecakes completely to develop rich flavors and achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg