Luscious Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes Recipe

Adorable Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes Recipe

Decadent mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert.

Sweet caramelized pineapple nestles perfectly into creamy cheesecake layers.

Each bite delivers a burst of tropical flavor that dances across your palate.

The miniature size makes these treats ideal for parties or intimate gatherings.

Buttery graham cracker crusts provide a delicious foundation for the luscious filling.

Topped with golden pineapple rings and a hint of caramel, these individual desserts are pure indulgence.

Prepare to wow your guests with this elegant and irresistible sweet sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

For Topping and Base:
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind other ingredients together, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sweetness that complements pineapple's tang, opt for fresh, soft varieties.
  • Pineapple Pieces: Brings tropical brightness and juicy texture, select ripe, golden-colored chunks.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provides vibrant color and sweet accent, look for plump, bright red cherries.
For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Delivers a classic, crisp foundation with nutty undertones, ensure crumbs are finely ground.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances crust's sweetness and helps with caramelization, use pure white sugar.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy texture, choose full-fat block style for best consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances tangy cream cheese and adds sweetness, use fine-grain for seamless mixing.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select fresh, room-temperature eggs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic warmth, choose pure extract for most authentic flavor.

Helpful Tools For Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for creating perfectly portioned mini cheesecakes.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Small Mixing Bowls: Three separate bowls for preparing topping, crust, and cheesecake filling.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like sugar and butter.
  • Cupcake Liners (optional): Help with easy removal and clean presentation.
  • Knife: For loosening cheesecakes from the muffin tin edges.
  • Platter or Tray: For inverting and serving the finished mini cheesecakes.
  • Spatula: Helpful for evenly spreading and scraping mixtures.

Directions For Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

  • Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 325F. Grab your muffin tin and give it a light spray so nothing sticks.

  • Sweet Caramel Foundation

Blend melted butter with rich brown sugar. Drop a dollop into each muffin cup, creating a gooey base. Nestle tiny pineapple chunks and a bright red cherry on top.

  • Crispy Graham Base

Crumble graham crackers and mix with butter and a touch of sweetness. Press this golden mixture firmly over the fruity layer, creating a sturdy foundation.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Magic

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Fold in sugar, then gently mix in egg and vanilla. Pour this dreamy mixture over the graham crust, filling each cup to the brim.

  • Baking Transformation

Slide the tin into the oven. Watch as these little delights puff and set in about 20 minutes. Let them cool slightly, then carefully separate from the edges.

  • Chilled Tropical Delight

Refrigerate until completely cool. When ready, flip the tin to reveal stunning mini cheesecakes with a surprise pineapple top. Serve and watch faces light up!

Ways To Customize Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes

  • Perfect Pineapple Cheesecake Secrets
  • Room Temperature Ingredients Magic: Ensure cream cheese, egg, and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends perfectly and creates a silky texture.
  • No-Crack Baking Technique: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and gently tap the muffin tin to release air bubbles, preventing surface cracks and maintaining a creamy, smooth appearance.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: These mini cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining and quick dessert options.
  • Diet-Friendly Transformations: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version, or use low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert that doesn't compromise on delicious flavor.

How To Serve Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes Sweetly

  • Tropical Brunch Delight: Serve these mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, paired with fresh mimosas and tropical fruit salad.
  • Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the mini cheesecakes on a beautiful serving tray with sprigs of mint, extra maraschino cherries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive dessert presentation.
  • Party Crowd-Pleaser: Create a fun dessert bar with these individual cheesecakes, offering small toppings like toasted coconut, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for guests to customize their treats.
  • Summer Picnic Star: Pack these compact cheesecakes in individual containers for a perfect portable dessert at outdoor gatherings, beach parties, or family picnics, keeping them chilled in a cooler.

Keep Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes From Drying Out

  • Mini Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful mini cheesecakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delectable texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap each mini cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.
  • Serving Temperature Trick: Remove cheesecakes from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy texture and bringing out the full flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare these mini desserts up to 2 days in advance, giving you more time to relax and enjoy entertaining without last-minute kitchen stress.
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Luscious Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes Recipe

Luscious Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful mini pineapple upside-down cheesecakes blend classic dessert charm with elegant individual servings. Caramelized pineapple and creamy cheesecake create a perfect balance you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 pineapple rings
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 maraschino cherries
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or cupcake liners.
  2. Caramel Foundation: Blend melted butter and brown sugar, distributing the mixture evenly across the bottom of each muffin cavity to create a rich, golden base.
  3. Fruity Arrangement: Delicately place pineapple chunks and maraschino cherry halves on top of the caramel layer, crafting an eye-catching display.
  4. Crust Formation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until achieving a sandy texture, then firmly press into each cup to form a sturdy foundation.
  5. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth, then gently fold in egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated.
  6. Assembly: Spoon the creamy cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, filling each cup nearly to the top for perfect individual servings.
  7. Baking Process: Bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring for a slight puff and set appearance that signals optimal doneness.
  8. Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
  9. Serving: Carefully invert the muffin tin onto a serving platter, revealing the gorgeous upside-down mini cheesecakes with their caramelized pineapple topping.

Notes

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable base that holds together when removed from the tin.
  • Control Cheesecake Texture: Avoid overmixing the cream cheese filling to prevent incorporating excess air, which can cause cracking or uneven baking.
  • Manage Moisture Levels: Pat pineapple chunks dry before placing them in the muffin cups to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy.
  • Temperature Precision: Let cream cheese and egg come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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