Ingredients
Scale
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 6 pineapple rings (canned or fresh), cut in halves
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and forms a smooth mixture. Remove from heat.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each cupcake liner, then arrange a halved pineapple ring around the cherry. Spoon about a teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture over the pineapple and cherry in each liner.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to form a compact crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and pineapple juice, ensuring the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecakes
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecakes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool in the muffin tin for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Chill the Cheesecakes
- Transfer the cooled cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the cupcake liners before serving, ensuring the pineapple topping remains intact.
- Arrange the cheesecakes on a platter and garnish with additional cherries or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Chill time: 3-4 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g