Description
Pineapple upside-down cheesecake delight marries classic tropical flavors with creamy indulgence. Caramelized pineapple rings and rich cream cheese create a luscious dessert you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pineapple and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) sliced pineapple, drained
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Toast the crust at 350F for 10 minutes, creating a golden, crisp base.
- Transform pineapple slices into a glossy caramel masterpiece by gently simmering them in a butter and brown sugar mixture. Cook until the fruit develops a rich, amber-toned glaze, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar into a velvety smooth consistency, gradually incorporating eggs to maintain a silky texture. Introduce vanilla and sour cream, blending until the mixture achieves a luxurious, uniform appearance.
- Strategically layer the caramelized pineapple rings across the cooled crust, creating a stunning visual foundation. Gently cascade the creamy cheesecake batter over the fruit, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake the assembled dessert at 350F for 55-60 minutes, watching for a set center with a subtle tremor when nudged. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the switched-off oven for one hour, promoting even cooling.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling the filling to firm and flavors to meld. Adorn with vibrant maraschino cherries just before serving for a classic finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth filling.
- Carefully layer caramelized pineapple slices to create an even, attractive base for the cheesecake.
- Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking, which helps achieve a perfect texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg