Okay, so pineapple cheesecake is like our favorite thing ever. It’s creamy, it’s tropical, and it’s amazing. We seriously can’t stop making it.

Here’s what makes this so special. The sweet pineapple cuts through the rich cream cheese. It’s, um, the perfect balance of flavors.

Imagine this: smooth, velvety cheesecake with tangy pineapple on top. Every bite just melts in your mouth. It tastes like a vacation, you know?

This dessert is perfect for any occasion. Birthday parties, summer cookouts, or just because. It always disappears so fast at our house.

So yeah, we’re gonna show you our recipe. It’s easier than you think, really. You’re about to make the best pineapple cheesecake ever.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe

Tropical Flavors: The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet pineapple topping will transport you straight to a tropical paradise.
Perfectly Balanced: The tangy pineapple topping complements the rich, smooth cream cheese filling beautifully, creating a dessert that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart.
Delightfully Creamy: The texture of the cheesecake is smooth and velvety, making every bite an indulgent treat.
Make-Ahead Dessert: This cheesecake is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it the perfect choice for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable: You can experiment with different fruit toppings or add extra flavorings to the cheesecake itself.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and instructions, let’s go over the essential tools you’ll need for this pineapple cheesecake.

9-inch Springform Pan: This is ideal for cheesecakes since it allows for easy removal of the finished dessert.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls to mix the crust, cheesecake filling, and topping.
Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): A mixer will help you beat the cream cheese mixture to the perfect smoothness.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and spreading the topping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the recipe turns out perfectly.
Whisk: For mixing the topping and ensuring a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8 graham cracker sheets): This forms the base of the cheesecake and provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly, balancing the tanginess of the cheesecake.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature): The star ingredient of any cheesecake! Using full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich, smooth filling.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering the other flavors.
1 cup full-fat sour cream: Adds a tangy depth and smoothness to the filling.
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest: Infuses the cheesecake with a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the pineapple topping.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, making it even more indulgent.
1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar and cream cheese, bringing out the other flavors.
3 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cheesecake.

For the Pineapple Topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pineapple topping without overpowering the natural flavor of the fruit.
4 tablespoons cold water (divided): Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth, thick topping.
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained): Provides a sweet, juicy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake.
1/8 teaspoon salt: A small pinch helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thicken the pineapple mixture, allowing it to set into a spreadable topping.
Whipped cream for serving (optional): Adds a final touch of indulgence and a bit of extra fluffiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pineapple Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). You’ll want it to be preheated before you begin assembling your cheesecake.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until all of the crumbs are coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly firm. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Now that your crust is ready, let’s move on to the cheesecake filling.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
One at a time, add the eggs, beating after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. A good test is to gently shake the pan; the center should move slightly but not ripple.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks in the surface.
After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight.

4. Prepare the Pineapple Topping

While the cheesecake is chilling, you can prepare the pineapple topping.

In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons of cold water to the saucepan. Whisk until smooth.
Add the drained crushed pineapple to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
Remove from the heat and let it cool completely before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake

Once your cheesecake and pineapple topping have cooled, it’s time to assemble.

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
Spoon the cooled pineapple topping evenly over the cheesecake, spreading it to the edges.
If desired, top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving and Decoration

This Pineapple Cheesecake is the perfect showstopper for any occasion. Here are some ideas for serving and decorating it:

Serve with Fresh Fruit: Complement the pineapple topping with slices of fresh tropical fruits like kiwi, mango, or strawberries.
Add a Garnish: Top the cheesecake with a sprig of mint or toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of iced tea, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings.

Storing Pineapple Cheesecake

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your cheesecake:

In the Refrigerator: Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	250mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	40g

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert to serve at your next gathering or family dinner. It’s simple to make but tastes absolutely divine. The creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet pineapple topping will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, this cheesecake is easy to put together and will surely impress.