Description
This Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a graham cracker crust topped with juicy pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries mixed into a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling. Slow baked to perfection, it offers a rich yet light texture and a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 46 grams brown sugar
- 6-7 tablespoons melted butter (add slowly, may not need all)
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 80 grams sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 140 grams granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 25 maraschino cherries, cut in half
- 4 slices canned pineapple, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C) and prepare a 6×3-inch removable bottom pan by greasing it lightly or lining it to prevent sticking.
- Make and Bake Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until set and fragrant, then remove and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cornstarch, mixing until the batter is silky and free of lumps.
- Add Eggs and Fruit: Gently incorporate the eggs one at a time to avoid overmixing. Fold in the halved maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks evenly into the batter to distribute fruit flavor throughout.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake initially at 300°F for 12 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 225°F and continue baking for 95 minutes. This slow baking process ensures a creamy texture without cracks. Once done, let the cheesecake cool inside the oven to prevent cracking, then refrigerate it overnight to set completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream, pineapple slices, and maraschino cherries for an attractive finish and extra flavor.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps prevent cracks on the surface.
- Using a removable bottom pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damage.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture, so plan ahead.
- You can substitute fresh pineapple if preferred, but canned pineapple provides consistent sweetness and texture.
