Description
These Mini Pineapple Upside-down Cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert by combining rich, creamy cheesecake with a buttery caramelized pineapple topping. Perfect for parties or an elegant treat, they balance sweetness with a tropical flair and are easy to prepare in individual portions.
Ingredients
Scale
Topping
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 12 maraschino cherries (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional for filling)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping Garnishes
- Fresh fruit slices (peaches, strawberries, or choice of fruit)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the brown sugar until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Add the pineapple chunks and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the pineapple to soak up the buttery sugar mixture and become slightly caramelized.
- Cool the Topping: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pineapple topping cool slightly to thicken and prevent melting the cheesecake when applied.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until creamy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then incorporate the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is uniform and velvety.
- Optional Coconut Addition: Gently fold in shredded coconut into the cheesecake batter if desired to add texture and flavor depth.
- Bake the Mini Cheesecakes: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin or lined mini cheesecake cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 1 hour.
- Assemble the Dessert: Once the cheesecakes are thoroughly chilled, carefully spoon the cooled pineapple topping over each cheesecake, ensuring an even layer. Add a maraschino cherry on top of each cheesecake for a classic festive presentation if desired.
- Add Fresh Fruit Garnish: For an extra burst of color and flavor, arrange thin slices of peaches, strawberries, or preferred fresh fruits around the pineapple topping right before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best texture and flavor, but canned pineapple can be substituted if needed.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbake the cheesecakes; they should remain slightly jiggly in the center to maintain creaminess.
- Refrigerate cheesecakes thoroughly before adding topping to prevent melting.
- Shredded coconut in the batter is optional but adds a nice tropical twist.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, including any toppings, are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
