Description
Creamy, tropical mini cheesecakes featuring a buttery graham crust, caramelized pineapple topping, and a rich cheesecake layer — a fun twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake in individual form.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 6 pineapple rings, cut into small pieces
- 6 maraschino cherries, halved
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter, then spoon about 1 teaspoon into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
- Add a few pineapple pieces and half a maraschino cherry on top of the brown sugar mixture in each liner.
- Press 1 tablespoon of graham cracker mixture gently over the pineapple layer to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg, sour cream, vanilla, and pineapple juice; beat until well combined.
- Divide the cheesecake mixture evenly among the cupcake liners, filling almost to the top.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the centers are set and slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.
- Before serving, remove liners and invert each cheesecake onto a plate so the pineapple layer is on top.
Notes
- Use crushed pineapple for easier assembly if preferred.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- These mini cheesecakes freeze well — store up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American