Tropical Delight: Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Recipe

Sweet caramelized pineapple rings nestled in a creamy pineapple upside down cheesecake create a dessert that sings with tropical charm.

Golden cake layers mingle with rich cream cheese, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Buttery brown sugar creates a luscious glaze that coats tender pineapple pieces.

Smooth cream cheese provides a velvety backdrop to the vibrant fruit.

This decadent dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of deliciousness.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that combines two beloved classics into one extraordinary treat.

FAQs

• Why do I need to use a water bath for the cheesecake?

A water bath helps create a gentle, even heat around the cheesecake, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. It also prevents the cheesecake from drying out during baking.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple might be too watery and could affect the cake’s texture. Canned pineapple rings work best because they have the right moisture content and hold their shape during baking.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. It should have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan, but not be completely liquid.

• What's the purpose of inverting the cake layers immediately after baking?

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: What Makes It Shine

• Indulge in Stunning Presentation: Showcase a showstopping dessert with beautifully caramelized pineapple rings and vibrant maraschino cherries that create a gorgeous visual appeal perfect for impressing guests.
• Conquer Complex Baking Challenge: Master a multi-layered dessert that combines classic pineapple upside-down cake with creamy cheesecake, developing advanced baking skills and technique through this intricate recipe.
• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Enjoy a delightful fusion of tangy pineapple, sweet caramel, rich cream cheese, and moist cake layers that deliver a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every single bite.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake layers.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake layers.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's browning and texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake layers.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the cake's moisture and creates a tender crumb.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the pineapple flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy base of the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
• Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Provides moisture and a slight tanginess.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture of the cheesecake.

• Pineapple Rings, Maraschino Cherries: Create the classic upside-down cake topping with a sweet and colorful arrangement.
• Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with butter to create a rich, sticky topping for the cake layers.
• Butter: Helps create the caramelized base for the pineapple topping.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: Easy Prep

Step 1: Craft Caramelized Pineapple Base

Warm up the oven to 350F.

Grab two cake pans and coat them with butter.

Melt additional butter and spread across pan bottoms.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly to create a sweet caramel foundation.

Step 2: Design Fruity Decoration

Strategically place pineapple rings across pan bottoms.

Nestle bright red maraschino cherries right in the center of each ring for a pop of color.

Step 3: Create Powdery Mixture

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Whip Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add eggs one by one, blending thoroughly.

Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and pineapple juice until smooth.

Step 5: Merge Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir carefully to avoid overmixing the batter.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter over pineapple arrangements in pans.

Smooth tops with a spatula.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Release Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Flip pans onto plates, revealing golden pineapple tops.

Allow cakes to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Cheesecake Pan

Lower oven temperature to 325F.

Wrap springform pan with foil.

Grease interior and line bottom with parchment paper.

Step 9: Blend Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy.

Add eggs one at a time.

Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until silky smooth.

Step 10: Create Water Bath and Bake

Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared pan.

Place pan in larger dish filled with hot water halfway up sides.

Bake 50-55 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.

Step 11: Cool Cheesecake Gently

Turn off oven, leaving door slightly open.

Let cheesecake rest for 30 minutes.

Remove and cool at room temperature.

Refrigerate 4-6 hours until completely set.

Step 12: Stack Magnificent Layers

Remove chilled cheesecake from pan.

Layer first pineapple cake, then cheesecake, topped with second pineapple cake.

Step 13: Slice and Serve

Use hot water-dipped knife for clean cuts.

Serve chilled or let sit 20 minutes for optimal texture.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: Helpful Pointers

• Grease cake pans thoroughly and line with parchment paper for easy cake removal and beautiful pineapple topping presentation.
• Fold dry ingredients gently into wet ingredients to maintain cake's light, fluffy texture and prevent tough, dense layers.
• Watch for slight jiggle in center when baking, as it will continue setting during cooling process in refrigerator.
• Wrap springform pan with foil carefully to prevent water seepage and ensure even, gentle baking for smooth cheesecake.
• Clean knife between cuts with hot water for neat, clean slices that showcase beautiful pineapple and cheesecake layers.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: Ideas to Mix Up Flavors

• Gluten-Free Pineapple Paradise: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen-free preparation.
• Tropical Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, and butter with coconut oil. Use plant-based milk alternatives for a completely plant-powered dessert.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free maraschino cherries and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Coconut Rum Caribbean Style: Add coconut extract to batter and drizzle rum-infused caramel sauce between cake layers. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an island-inspired transformation.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: Plating for Fun

• Tropical Party Centerpiece: Wow guests by placing this stunning cake on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh pineapple slices and whole maraschino cherries for a vibrant, eye-catching display.
• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Complement the cake's rich flavors with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a drizzle of rum-infused caramel sauce to enhance the tropical essence.
• Summer Celebration Slice: Serve chilled at summer gatherings, picnics, or poolside parties as a refreshing and decadent dessert that captures the essence of warm-weather indulgence.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare the entire cake a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld and makes party planning easier.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe: Simple Storage Steps

• Store the Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring the covering doesn't disturb the delicate pineapple topping or cheesecake surface.
• Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake merges classic dessert charm with creamy richness. Caramelized pineapple rings and velvety cream cheese create a delightful fusion that tempts taste buds and promises sweet satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Cake Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup pineapple juice

Pineapple Topping Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 6 pineapple rings
• 6 maraschino cherries

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 2 packages (16 ounces / 454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C). Generously coat two 9-inch cake pans with melted butter and brown sugar, creating a caramelized base.
2. Carefully position pineapple rings in each pan, placing maraschino cherries at their centers.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
4. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, incorporating eggs individually. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and pineapple juice until smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing.
6. Distribute batter evenly over pineapple arrangements, smoothing surfaces. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick emerges clean.
7. Allow cakes to rest 10 minutes, then invert onto plates, revealing caramelized pineapple tops. Cool completely.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (163C). Wrap springform pan with foil, grease interior, and line bottom with parchment.
9. Blend cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs sequentially, then incorporate vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream.
10. Transfer cheesecake batter to prepared pan. Create water bath by placing pan in larger dish filled halfway with hot water. Bake 50-55 minutes until center remains slightly soft.
11. Switch off oven, leaving door slightly open. Let cheesecake rest 30 minutes, then cool at room temperature. Refrigerate 4-6 hours until fully set.
12. Remove cheesecake from pan. Layer first pineapple cake, followed by cheesecake, then second pineapple cake, maintaining pineapple-side orientation.
13. Slice using hot, clean knife. Serve chilled or allow 20 minutes at room temperature for optimal texture.

Notes

• Swap butter for coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free and add a tropical twist to the flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to transform this dessert into a celiac-friendly option without compromising texture.
• Drain pineapple rings thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake layers soggy during baking.
• Replace maraschino cherries with fresh or dried cherries for a more natural and less artificial sweet element.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg