Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Recipe

Craving a delightful fusion of two classic desserts? Dive into the world of Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake – a heavenly combination of pineapple upside-down cake and creamy cheesecake. This indulgent treat is a surefire way to elevate your dessert game and impress your loved ones on any occasion.

Imagine two layers of moist pineapple upside-down cake embracing a luscious pineapple cheesecake filling – reminiscent of the iconic Cheesecake Factory creation but with a homemade touch. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, this dessert is a showstopper that guarantees to leave everyone craving for more.

Whether it’s a special celebration or simply a weekend indulgence, this Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Cake promises a delightful experience that blends the best of both worlds. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the familiar comfort of pineapple upside-down cake with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake in every decadent bite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 18 servings

Ingredients

Creating this delicious Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake requires gathering a variety of key ingredients. Below, I’ve detailed the specific components necessary for the Pineapple Base, Cheesecake Filling, and Cake Batter.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 14 slices canned or fresh pineapple rings
• 14 maraschino cherries

For the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Batter

• 1 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Ensure you have all these ingredients prepared and ready to create this delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake experience.

Equipment Needed

For this Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake recipe, you will need a few essential baking tools and measuring equipment to ensure accurate and successful results.

Baking Tools

• Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is ideal for baking this cheesecake as it allows for easy removal without damaging the structure.
• Cake Pans: Two 9-inch cake pans for the pineapple upside-down cake layers.
• Mixer: An electric mixer, either hand-held or stand mixer, will be handy for smoothly mixing the cheesecake filling and cake batter.
• Mixing Bowls: Have a set of mixing bowls in different sizes to prepare various components of the recipe simultaneously.
• Spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven preheated to the specified temperature for baking the cheesecake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons for accurately measuring both dry and liquid ingredients.
• Kitchen Scale: While not necessary, a kitchen scale can be helpful for precise measurements, especially for the cheesecake filling ingredients.
• Measuring Jug: A measuring jug with clear markings will come in handy for measuring liquids like milk, pineapple juice and vanilla extract accurately.

Preparation

Preparing the Pineapple Base

I begin by dividing the melted butter equally between two 9-inch cake pans, ensuring each pan is well-coated to prevent sticking. I sprinkle 1/2 cup of the brown sugar into each pan, creating a sweet, caramelized layer for the pineapple and cherries to rest upon. I carefully arrange the pineapple slices and cherries as pictured, creating an appealing design that will be showcased once the cake is inverted, and set aside.

Making the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk to combine, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for a consistent cake texture. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth, creating a rich, moist base for the cake. Whisk in the eggs, sour cream, milk, pineapple juice and vanilla until combined, ensuring all wet ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth batter. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough cake. Ensure there are no dry spots or lumps for a uniform batter.

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans, gently smoothing out the top to ensure even baking, and be careful not to disrupt the pineapple and cherries on the bottom. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked. Place cakes on a wired rack to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting, allowing them to settle and release easily.

Cheesecake Filling Preparation

Mixing the Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake. Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, wrap it in heavy-duty foil to protect from water bath seepage, and set aside. Whip the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, ensuring there are no lumps for a creamy texture. Mix in one egg at a time until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter. Add the sour cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla, and mix until completely smooth, incorporating all ingredients for a consistent flavor.

Layering the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and place into a large roasting dish. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) to ensure gentle baking. Place the cheesecake with the roasting pan into the oven. Fill the roasting pan with hot water from the tap halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan to create a water bath, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking. Bake for 45 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave in the oven for an additional 20 minutes to set, allowing the residual heat to finish cooking the cheesecake gently.

Take the cheesecake out of the oven and out of the roasting pan carefully to avoid any sudden temperature changes. Let it cool on the counter to room temperature to stabilize. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight is best, to allow the cheesecake to fully set and flavors to meld.

Cake assembly

Invert the cakes, one onto a flat surface like a cutting board and the other on the plate you will be presenting on, ensuring a smooth transfer and beautiful presentation. Take the pineapple cheesecake out of the ring and lift it off the bottom of the pan carefully; you may need to use a tool like an offset spatula to help, ensuring the cheesecake remains intact. Place the cheesecake on top of the first cake layer, centering it for an appealing look. Place the second layer of cake on top, aligning it carefully. You can serve it immediately or place it in the fridge until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld further. Garnish with whipped cream if desired for an extra touch of indulgence.

Cooling

Cooling Instructions

After baking your pineapple upside-down cheesecake, allow it to cool in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for about 60 minutes. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake, consider adding a touch of creativity to enhance the overall experience.

Topping Ideas

For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, top each slice of the cheesecake with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce. The combination of creamy cheesecake with the sweetness of the caramel adds a luxurious touch to every serving.

Presentation Tips

To elevate the presentation of your Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake, consider garnishing each slice with a maraschino cherry on top. The vibrant color of the cherries adds a pop of brightness against the golden brown pineapple, creating a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage and Leftovers

After indulging in the delightful Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake, here are some tips on how to store any remaining slices for future enjoyment.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftover Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover the container to prevent the cheesecake from absorbing any odors. The cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days while maintaining its freshness and flavor. Before serving again, allow the cheesecake slices to come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake for longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the cheesecake can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, transfer the slices to the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy the frozen cheesecake within a few days of thawing for the best experience.

Conclusion

Creating a Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake is a delightful way to indulge in a fusion of flavors. This unique dessert brings together the best of both worlds – the tropical sweetness of pineapple upside-down cake and the creamy richness of cheesecake. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can impress your guests with a homemade masterpiece that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Remember to add your personal touch with garnishes like whipped cream and cherries for that perfect finishing touch. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy the deliciousness of this Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake even days after it’s made. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and treat yourself to a slice of heaven!

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