Name: Pineapple Cheesecake Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers; 3 large eggs, added one at a time; 1 cup sugar; 24 oz softened cream cheese; 1 cup drained pineapple, crushed; 1 tsp vanilla; Toasted coconut flakes, ¼ cup; ¼ cup chopped pecans; ½ cup sour cream; Pineapple chunks for decorating; ½ cup heavy cream

A creamy pineapple cheesecake slice topped with pineapple bits, sitting on a white plate. | tastycoock.com

Hey folks, I've gotta share this cheesecake that'll transport your tastebuds straight to the tropics! This Pineapple Cream Cheesecake has become my go-to way to bring island vibes to any get-together. Whenever I whip it up, my kitchen gets filled with amazing smells of sweet pineapple and toasty coconut - it's truly something special!

When I first tried making these apples, I learned that picking the right apple type and getting the caramel just right makes all the difference.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

Cream cheese at room temperature: This can't be skipped
Canned pineapple (well-drained) or fresh:
Top-notch graham crackers: They create the best base
Real vanilla extract: Really enhances flavor
Coconut (toasted): Adds that island feel

Step-by-Step Creation Guide

Building Your Foundation: Get graham crackers crushed evenly. Blend thoroughly with melted butter. Press down hard for good support.

Nailing the Center Mixture: Whip cream cheese until completely smooth. Mix in eggs individually. Add pineapple with gentle folding.

Smart Baking Approach: Don't skip the water bath. Look for a slight wobble. Let it cool slowly.

The way room-temp ingredients work together is just amazing! I always leave my cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream out for at least two hours before I start. They seem to get ready for the show on the counter, waiting to create that dreamy smooth texture we all want. And when that pineapple gets mixed in? It's like a beach vacation in every bite!

Clever Storage Solutions

Want to know what makes this dessert perfect for parties? It actually tastes better after chilling overnight! The flavors blend together like best friends at a beach party. I usually make mine a day ahead of time, which takes all the rush out of party prep and lets those tropical tastes really come through. Just remember to add your toasty coconut right at serving time so it stays nice and crunchy!

Fun Twists To Experiment With

Let's get creative with your cheesecake! Sometimes I mix in a dash of coconut extract for extra island spirit. When mangoes are in season, I love topping it with fresh mango slices arranged like flowers - it's like adding a tropical sunset to your plate! Feeling bold? Try spreading some passion fruit topping over it - it's totally amazing!

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Cream Cheesecake isn't just a dessert - it's your ticket to paradise without leaving home! Every mouthful feels like a mini vacation, and I bet your friends will keep asking how you made it. Just remember that fantastic cheesecake comes down to taking your time, adding a bit of love, and using the best stuff you can find. So, who's ready to start baking?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this be made gluten-free?: Sure, just swap the crust with gluten-free graham crackers.
→ What’s a good heavy cream substitute?: Full-fat Greek yogurt or whipped cream works just fine.
→ How do I stop it from cracking?: Cool it slowly and don’t overmix the batter – that'll help a lot.
→ Can fresh pineapple be used?: Absolutely, but chop it finely and drain any extra juice before adding it in.
→ How long will it keep in the fridge?: Pop it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay good for up to 5 days.

Pineapple Cheesecake Delight

Rich cheesecake packed with pineapple, finished with toasted pecans and coconut.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

70 Minutes

Total Time

90 Minutes

By: Mary Thompson

Category: Special Occasion

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 ½ cup butter melted

02 ¼ cup granulated sugar

03 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 3 large eggs, added one at a time

05 1 cup sugar

06 24 oz softened cream cheese

07 1 cup drained pineapple, crushed

08 1 tsp vanilla

→ Topping

09 Toasted coconut flakes, ¼ cup

10 ¼ cup chopped pecans

11 ½ cup sour cream

12 Pineapple chunks for decorating

13 ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 325°F (165°C). Stir together the sugar, melted butter, and graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl until it feels like damp sand. Firmly press everything into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making it even. Pop it in the oven for 8–10 minutes, then pull it out to cool.

Step 02

Use a big mixing bowl to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Toss in the sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Add the eggs one at a time—don’t overbeat them. Gently fold in the crushed, drained pineapple until it’s spread out evenly.

Step 03

Spread the cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust so it’s smooth. Put it in the hot oven and bake for roughly 60–70 minutes. The sides should look set while the center wiggles a little. Take it out and let it cool on a rack.

Step 04

Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and heavy cream, then spread that over the cold cheesecake. Sprinkle on coconut flakes, pecans, and throw on some pineapple chunks to finish.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to keep lumps away.

Letting the pineapple drain completely stops the cheesecake from getting soggy.

Cooling the cheesecake slowly at room temperature reduces the risk of cracks.

Tools You'll Need

9-inch springform pan

Large and small bowls

Hand or electric mixer

Silicone spatula

Rack for cooling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Includes dairy, like cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream.
Could contain tree nuts from the pecans and coconut flakes.
To make it gluten-free, swap in gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 5 g