Description
Delightful mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes bring tropical paradise to classic dessert lovers. Sweet caramelized pineapple and creamy cheesecake create an irresistible combination you’ll savor with pure bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter
Cheesecake Core Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (2 packages, 8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 20 ounces (1 can) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and clean serving.
- Create the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand. Distribute the mixture evenly across muffin cups, pressing firmly with a spoon or small glass to create a compact base.
- Craft the cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Carefully distribute the cheesecake mixture into each muffin cup, filling approximately three-quarters full. Strategically place pineapple chunks on top, gently nestling them into the creamy filling.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for set edges with a slight wobble in the center, indicating perfect doneness. Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely within the pan.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor development. Before serving, enhance with a caramel sauce drizzle and optional garnish of maraschino cherry or fresh mint leaf.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce overall calorie content without compromising the creamy texture.
- Caramelize pineapple chunks beforehand by quickly sautéing them in brown sugar for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother cheesecake filling and prevent lumpy texture during mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 271 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 133 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg