A tropical twist on a classic dessert
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake the cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan in a water bath. To do this, place the pan in a larger roasting pan and carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an additional hour.
- Remove from the water bath and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate overnight.
Prepare the topping:
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, spread the whipped cream topping over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Cheesecake!
Tips:
- For a more intense pineapple flavor, add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice to the filling.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan.
- To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, avoid overbaking.
- For a more tropical twist, garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and mint leaves.