Indulge in a sensory journey with a luxurious confection merging the exotic essence of pineapple with the velvety decadence of cheesecake. Our rendition of Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake presents a delightful variation on the traditional dessert, boasting a sumptuous cheesecake filling cradled upon a buttery graham cracker crust, adorned with succulent pineapple slices and vivid cherries. Whether reserved for celebratory moments or cherished as a sweet escape, this delightful creation promises to carve its place as a beloved gem in your dessert collection.
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups of finely crushed graham crackers form the base of our crust, delivering a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness.
- A blend of 46 grams of brown sugar and 42 grams of granulated sugar adds a caramelized richness to the crust, enhancing its flavor profile.
- 6-7 tablespoons of melted butter, added gradually, bind the ingredients together, creating a buttery, crumbly texture that melts in the mouth.
Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces of room temperature cream cheese serve as the creamy foundation of our cheesecake, ensuring a smooth and luscious texture.
- 80 grams of room temperature sour cream and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream add a luxurious richness to the cheesecake, elevating its decadence.
- A splash of 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract infuses the cheesecake with warm, aromatic undertones, enhancing its flavor profile.
- 140 grams of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch sweeten and thicken the cheesecake filling, creating a velvety consistency that melts in the mouth.
- 2 eggs, also at room temperature, provide structure and stability to the cheesecake, ensuring a creamy and indulgent texture.
- 25 maraschino cherries, halved, and 4 slices of canned pineapple, cut into chunks, offer bursts of fruity sweetness and visual appeal, nestled within the creamy cheesecake filling.
Garnish:
- Whipped cream adds a light and airy finish to the cheesecake, complementing its rich and creamy texture.
- Pineapple slices, sourced from a can and halved, provide a vibrant and tropical touch to the presentation, enhancing its visual allure.
- Cherries with stems add a charming and whimsical element to the garnish, elevating the overall presentation with their bright and cheerful appearance.
Preparation Method:
- Begin by crafting the Graham Cracker Crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Ensure thorough mixing to evenly distribute the sugars throughout the crumbs. Slowly incorporate the melted butter, stirring until the mixture takes on the texture of damp sand, easily sticking together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan, employing the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to achieve a uniform layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you move on to preparing the cheesecake filling.
- Set your Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to a cozy 325°F (163°C), ensuring it’s perfectly prepped for baking your cheesecake to perfection.
- Craft the Cheesecake Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency, utilizing either a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Introduce the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, blending until fully integrated and the mixture attains a velvety smoothness. Gradually add the granulated sugar and cornstarch, mixing until the sugar dissolves completely and the blend achieves a creamy texture. Introduce the eggs one by one, stirring on low speed until just incorporated. Exercise caution to avoid overmixing, as excessive air incorporation may lead to unsightly cracks during baking.
- Assemble the Layers of the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Arrange the pineapple chunks atop the filling, gently embedding them into the batter. Nestle the halved maraschino cherries between the pineapple pieces, ensuring even distribution across the cheesecake’s surface.
- Bake your Cheesecake to Perfection: Position the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips, then place it in the preheated oven. Allow the cheesecake to bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the edges display firmness while the center retains a gentle jiggle. Remember, the cheesecake will continue to solidify as it cools.
- Cool and Set: Once baked, switch off the oven and slightly ajar its door. Let the cheesecake cool within the oven for an hour to prevent cracking. Subsequently, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, shield the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to achieve optimal firmness and flavor development.
Garnishing:
- Adorn with Whipped Cream: Just before serving, delicately extract the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it onto a serving platter. Use a piping bag or spoon to artfully decorate the edges with whipped cream, imparting an air of elegance.
- Arrange Pineapple Slices and Cherries: Embellish the cheesecake’s surface with halved pineapple slices and cherries with stems, arranging them in a visually appealing manner to elevate its aesthetic allure.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the tropical allure of Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake, a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake, juicy pineapple, and vibrant cherries. With its buttery graham cracker crust and luxurious cheesecake filling, this dessert is a true showstopper that will impress your family and friends. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed as a decadent treat any day of the week, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to paradise with every luscious bite.