Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

Recipe By:
Emily Harrison
Updated:

It’s a sunny afternoon and the scent of buttery goodness wafts through the air as I prepare to whip up some Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes. Imagine a sweet blend of creamy cheesecake richness sitting atop perfectly caramelized pineapple slices—oh yes, it’s as delightful as it sounds!

Growing up, my grandma used to make the classic version of this dessert during family gatherings. Each slice was a slice of nostalgia, bringing us all together around the table to savor every bite. Now I’ve turned that cherished recipe into these adorable mini versions—perfect for sharing (or not).

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes offer an effortless way to impress guests with minimal effort
  • Their vibrant appearance will brighten any gathering while delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite
  • Plus, they’re wonderfully simple to customize based on your favorite toppings!

I remember the first time I made these for my friends; their eyes lit up when they took their first bite—their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and filling; use brown sugar for extra flavor.
  • Butter: Melted unsalted butter brings richness and binds your crust together perfectly.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure to use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling; no one likes lumps!
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to your cheesecake mix; you can also use Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • Pineapple Slices: Fresh or canned works well; just ensure they’re drained if using canned.
  • Maraschino Cherries: A classic topping that adds color and sweetness; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan!
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors in your filling; don’t skimp on quality!
  • Eggs: They help set your filling; room temperature eggs mix better into your batter.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease them—because nobody wants their beautiful cheesecakes stuck!

Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until evenly coated. It should resemble wet sand.

Press into Muffin Tins: Take about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture and press it firmly into each muffin cup. Make sure it’s compact—this is the foundation of your cheesecake kingdom!

Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar; mix until well blended and creamy—no lumps allowed!

Add Eggs One at a Time: Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing; you want a light texture that bakes perfectly.

Top with Pineapple Slices and Bake : Place a slice of pineapple on top of each filled muffin cup. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Add Maraschino Cherries : Once cooled slightly, top each cheesecake with a maraschino cherry for that classic presentation. Chill them in the fridge for at least an hour before serving—you’ll want them nice and cool!

These mini delights are great for parties or just because you deserve something delicious! Enjoy every last morsel—the smiles will be worth it!

You Must Know

  • Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes are not just cute; they’re a flavor explosion!
  • The combination of tangy pineapple and creamy cheesecake will leave your taste buds dancing
  • These desserts are perfect for parties or just to indulge in a little sweetness anytime

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your crust, then bake it while mixing the cheesecake filling. Once baked, assemble the mini cheesecakes with caramelized pineapple on top for an efficient and delicious treat.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different fruits or toppings like cherries or chocolate drizzles. You could even swap cream cheese for mascarpone to give it a unique twist that suits your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For a quick serving, enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh pineapples for a more vibrant and juicy flavor; canned sometimes lacks that zing
  • Ensure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your filling
  • A pinch of salt can enhance sweetness and balance flavors beautifully

Creating these Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen, where every dessert was made with love and joy.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance; just store them properly in the fridge.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone or ricotta cheese work well as alternatives for a lighter texture.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

Absolutely! Use almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers to create a tasty crust.

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Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

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Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and caramelized pineapple, topped with maraschino cherries—perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 12 mini cheesecakes.

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted unsalted butter
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • Pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin cup.
  3. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  4. Spoon the filling over the crusts and place a pineapple slice on top of each. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Once cooled, top each cheesecake with a maraschino cherry and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake (45g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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