Description

Welcome to a tropical paradise in the form of a dessert that marries the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. This Tropical Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake recipe is a twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake and a traditional cheesecake, promising a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) pineapple slices
- 7 maraschino cherries
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham crackers, crushed
- 3 teaspoons white sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) smooth cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, at room temperature

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with brown sugar in a 9-inch pie pan. Spread it evenly to create a caramel base.
Layer Pineapple & Cherries: Arrange pineapple slices over the butter-sugar mixture, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice for that iconic look.
Make the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers with white sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the pineapple slices to form a crunchy layer.
Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Incorporate sour cream and vanilla, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Bake for about 55 minutes to an hour, or until set. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Cool & Serve: Let the cheesecake cool, then invert it onto a platter, showcasing the pineapple and cherries. Chill for at least three hours before serving.

Enjoy Your Creation:

Your Tropical Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake is now ready to be devoured. This visually stunning and deliciously rich cake combines the best of both worlds, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

Water Bath for Cheesecake: To prevent cracks and ensure even baking, consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan securely in foil to prevent water from seeping in, and place the pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
Chill Before Inverting: To ensure the cheesecake doesn’t break when inverting, make sure it’s thoroughly chilled and set. A chilled cheesecake is much firmer and easier to handle.
Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture: For a lump-free cheesecake batter, beat the cream cheese on its own first until it’s completely smooth before adding the sugar and the other ingredients.
Decorative Toppings: After inverting the cheesecake, you can add fresh blueberries or raspberries around the base for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake batter. Since the pineapple and cherries add natural sweetness, the cheesecake will still taste delightful.
Prevent Browning of the Crust: If you notice the crust browning too quickly while baking, you can loosely cover the top of the cheesecake with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Testing for Doneness: Cheesecakes can be tricky to test for doneness. The center should still wobble slightly when gently shaken; it will set further as it cools.
Releasing the Cheesecake: To easily release the cheesecake from the sides of the pan, run a thin knife or offset spatula around the inside edge of the pan after cooling but before chilling in the refrigerator.
Slicing Perfection: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This heats the knife, allowing it to slice through the cheesecake smoothly.
Creative Crust Options: While graham crackers are traditional, feel free to experiment with other crust options like crushed vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or even chocolate cookies for a different twist.

By following these tips, you’ll enhance not only the flavor and texture of your Tropical Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake but also its presentation, making it a dessert to remember.