If you are craving something both nostalgic and delightfully creamy, the Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe is exactly the showstopper dessert you’ve been looking for. This luscious cheesecake combines the classic tropical sweetness of pineapple and maraschino cherries with a rich, velvety cheesecake base all resting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smooth textures that will have you swooning. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy night in, this pineapple-inspired twist on cheesecake brings sunshine and smiles to the table.

Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe lies in its straightforward and well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crisp, buttery crust to the creamy cheesecake filling bursting with tropical fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla.

Graham cracker crumbs: This forms the crunchy yet tender base that supports the rich cheesecake perfectly.
Brown sugar and sugar: These add mellow sweetness and help caramelize the crust just right.
Melted butter: Acts as the binder for the crust, delivering buttery warmth.
Cream cheese: The heart of any cheesecake, providing creaminess and tang.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness and keeps the texture silky.
Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and smooth texture in the filling.
Vanilla extract: A fragrant accent that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling evenly without grit.
Cornstarch: Stabilizes and firms up the cheesecake without heaviness.
Eggs: Essential for structure and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
Maraschino cherries: For pops of color and a sweet contrast.
Canned pineapple slices: Adds juicy tropical notes that make this recipe unique.

How to Make Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C) and readying a 6×3-inch removable bottom pan, perfect for easy release. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial to ensure the crust holds together and achieves that wonderfully buttery crunch after baking it for about 10 to 12 minutes. Let it cool completely before moving on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake batter

Beat the cream cheese until it reaches an ultra-creamy consistency—this is the foundation of your cheesecake’s silkiness. Then, add the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients until the batter is perfectly smooth and lump-free. This blending of ingredients assures the final cheesecake isn’t too dense but beautifully light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate eggs and fruit

Gently add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to maintain the smooth texture without incorporating too much air. Then, carefully fold in the halved maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks, which give the cheesecake its signature “right side up” tropical flair. Pour this luscious filling over the cooled crust, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the cheesecake

Bake at 300°F for 12 minutes initially to set the edges, then lower the temperature to 225°F and continue baking for 95 minutes. This slow, low bake ensures the cheesecake sets evenly without cracking while retaining its creamy texture. After baking, let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes. After cooling, refrigerate it overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up just right.

Step 5: Garnish and enjoy!

Before serving your Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe, top it with dollops of whipped cream and some pineapple slices and cherries for that classic presentation and extra burst of sweetness and freshness. Now it’s ready to wow your family and friends!

How to Serve Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your cheesecake’s appearance and taste with fresh whipped cream piped elegantly around the edges. Add additional maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks on top for color contrast and a fresh pop of flavor that makes every slice inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of tropical sorbet. Fresh berries or a tangy mango salsa complement the tropical pineapple notes, creating a harmonious dessert experience that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving mini individual cheesecakes using muffin tins lined with parchment. Another fun idea is to cut the chilled cheesecake into squares and skewer a chunk of pineapple and cherry alongside for effortless finger food that delights guests with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this cheesecake by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When stored properly, the cheesecake maintains its flavor and texture for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy it at its best.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softer slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enjoy all the rich flavors and smooth texture of the Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be a fantastic alternative and will bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your cheesecake. Just be sure to drain any excess juice well to avoid sogginess in the filling.

Why do I need to bake the cheesecake at two different temperatures?

Baking first at a higher temperature helps the cheesecake set around the edges, while the lower temperature bake slowly firms the center without cracking. This method ensures a perfect texture and smooth surface for your Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe.

Can I substitute the maraschino cherries?

You can, but maraschino cherries offer a sweet, slightly almond-flavored note that pairs beautifully with pineapple. If you prefer, use fresh cherries or even dried cranberries for a different twist on the classic look and flavor.

How important is it to use room temperature ingredients?

Very important! Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly and help prevent lumps in your batter, ensuring a creamy, velvety cheesecake rather than a dense or curdled one.

What is the best pan to use for this recipe?

A 6×3-inch removable bottom pan is ideal because it allows easy removal of the delicate cheesecake without risking cracks or damage. If you don’t have one, a springform cake pan works well too.

Final Thoughts

Make sure you give this Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe a try whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a dreamily tropical dessert. Its beautiful balance of creamy texture and fruity sweetness is guaranteed to brighten any occasion. Once you taste it, this cheesecake just might become your new favorite way to celebrate pineapple in style!

Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake Recipe

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4.1 from 269 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 24 hours 17 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent Pineapple Right Side Up Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling studded with maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks, baked to silky perfection and chilled overnight for the best texture. Finished with whipped cream and fruit garnish for a tropical, elegant dessert ideal for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
46 grams brown sugar
6–7 tablespoons melted butter (add slowly, may not need all)

Cheesecake Filling

16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
80 grams sour cream, room temperature
1 tablespoon heavy cream, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
140 grams granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs, room temperature
42 grams sugar

Fruit Topping and Mix-in

25 maraschino cherries, cut in half
4 slices canned pineapple, cut into chunks

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Prepare a 6×3-inch removable bottom pan by lightly greasing or lining it to ensure easy removal later.
Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Gradually add butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl. Add sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and free of lumps.
Add eggs and fold in fruit: Gently add the eggs one at a time to the filling, mixing just until incorporated to avoid over-beating. Then fold in the halved maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks evenly.
Assemble and bake cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the pan. Bake at 300°F for 12 minutes initially, then reduce the oven temperature to 225°F and continue baking for 95 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but may have a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool and chill: Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for gradual cooling, which prevents cracking. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to fully set and enhance flavors.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream, additional pineapple slices, and maraschino cherries for a decorative and delicious finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a creamy, lump-free cheesecake filling.
Gradually add melted butter to the crust mixture to achieve the perfect consistency for pressing.
Do not overbeat the eggs into the cheesecake batter to avoid cracking during baking.
Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves texture and flavor.
If you do not have a removable bottom pan, line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
The gradual cooling process in the oven helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American