Old Fashioned Pineapple Cheesecake
Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something creamy with a tropical twist.
This cheesecake recipe starts with a buttery graham cracker crust and is filled with a rich, smooth cheesecake flavored with sweet pineapple.
It’s easy enough for home bakers but impressive enough to serve for special occasions.
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and simple variations to make it your own.
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What are the ingredients in pineapple cheesecake?
This dessert recipe is made with three simple layers: a buttery almond crust, a creamy pineapple cheesecake filling, and a sweet pineapple topping.
- For the crust, you’ll need flour, softened butter, unsalted or lightly salted almonds, and powdered sugar.
- For the cheesecake layer, you’ll need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and pineapple juice.
- For the pineapple topping layer, you’ll need sugar, flour, pineapple juice, drained crushed pineapple, and heavy whipping cream.
Together, these ingredients create a creamy cheesecake with a tender crust, smooth filling, and sweet pineapple topping.
How to Make a Homemade Pineapple Cheesecake
- Start by preparing the crust: finely chop almonds in a food processor, then mix them with flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
- Press the mixture into a greased 13×9 pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, eggs, and pineapple juice.
- Pour over the hot crust and bake for another 20 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely.
- To make the pineapple topping, cook sugar, flour, and pineapple juice over medium heat until thickened.
- Stir in drained crushed pineapple and let it cool.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pineapple mixture.
- Spread over the cooled cheesecake and chill for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
- Garnish each piece with with a maraschino cherry and cool whip.
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A cheesecake may not set if it was underbaked or didn’t chill long enough. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the firmest texture.
Be sure to fully drain the pineapple before adding it to the topping. Excess liquid can make the bars too soft.
Yes! Pineapple cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Yes. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
You can, but canned crushed pineapple is recommended because it provides consistent sweetness and texture. If using fresh pineapple, chop it finely and drain any excess juice.
What Are Some Tips for Making Pineapple Cheesecake?
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smooth filling.
- Finely chop the almonds so the crust holds together well.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent a runny topping.
- Whisk the pineapple topping constantly while it cooks to keep it smooth.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before adding the topping.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing for the best texture.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat servings.
Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear Container
Member’s Mark Maraschino Cherries (74 Ounce)Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened 7 Ounce
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Try
- These Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes bring the classic upside-down dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- No-Bake Dessert Recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for when you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
- Try these fun pool party desserts that are perfect for summer celebrations by the pool.
- Swap out the almond crust and make a graham cracker crust instead!
Old Fashioned Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 Cups Flour
- 2/3 Cup Butter softened
- ½ Cup Unsalted or lightly salted Almonds
- ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 Packages Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 2/3 Cup Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Topping Layer:
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- ¼ Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 Can Crushed Pineapple drained
- ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Finely chop almonds.
- In a medium size bowl mix together flour, powdered sugar, and chopped almonds.
- Cut softened butter into cubes and add it to the mixture. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry mixer or a knife.
- Once the mixture is well blended and crumbly, firmly press it into the bottom of a 13×9 in pan.
- Bake for 20-25 min until set and lightly browned.
- While the crust is baking beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Next beat in ½ cup sugar, and eggs, mix until well blended. Beat in 2/3 cup pineapple juice.
- Remove the crust from the oven and pour the cream cheese mixture over it while it is still hot.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the crust. Bake for about 20 minutes just until the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- While the cream cheese layer is cooling it is time to make the pineapple topping.
- In a 2qt saucepan mix together ¼ cup flour and ¼ cup sugar. Stir in 1 cup pineapple juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Boil and stir for about 1 minute it will thicken as it boils.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in the crushed pineapple. Set aside to cool completely.
- Once the cream cheese layer and pineapple topping are cooled it is time to make whipped cream.
- Place a glass or metal bowl in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to cool thoroughly. Beat the whipping cream in the chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the pineapple topping and spread it carefully over the cream cheese layer.
- Place in the refrigerator for 4 hours to chill.
- Serve with whipped cream and cherries if desired.
I have never had pineapple cheesecake before and it sounds amazing. I so have to make this one.