Are you looking to impress your friends and family with a delicious dessert? Look no further! This Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe is a classic favorite that is sure to wow everyone at the table. It’s easy to make and packed with tropical flavors that will transport you to a sunny beach.
ngredients Overview
- The Base: A caramel layer made with butter and brown sugar, topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.
- The Crust: A crunchy, buttery layer of crushed graham crackers sweetened with sugar.
- The Cheesecake: A smooth, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and get your pie pan ready with a butter and brown sugar mixture for that gooey caramel base.
Layer Pineapple & Cherries
Create the iconic bottom layer that will soon be the top of your cheesecake with pineapple slices and cherries.
Make the Crust
Mix graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, then layer it over your fruit for that satisfying crunch.
Cheesecake Filling
Blend cream cheese with sugar, add sour cream and vanilla, then eggs, and pour it over your crust. Bake until just set.
Cool & Serve
After cooling, invert the cheesecake to reveal the beautiful pineapple and cherry topping. Chill, serve, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a statement piece. It’s perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of tropical flair to your table. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite a delightful experience.
Baking Tips for Perfection
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to avoid cracks.
- Chill thoroughly before serving for the perfect set.
Serving Suggestions
While this cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra layer of decadence.
Conclusion
This Tropical Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its layers of flavors and textures, from the caramel-infused fruit topping to the creamy cheesecake body, make it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Print
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
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
- 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.
