Description
Sweet caramelized pineapple upside down cheesecake blends classic comfort with creamy indulgence. Buttery cake layers and tangy cream cheese create a luscious dessert perfect for special celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Cake and Topping):
- 1 box strawberry or yellow cake mix (plus required ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted for pineapple topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for pineapple topping
- Pineapple slices (canned or fresh)
- Maraschino cherries
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional)
Topping Ingredients:
(None additional to main ingredients)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 325°F (160°C) and generously grease a springform pan to ensure easy release.
- Create a luscious base by drizzling melted butter across the pan’s bottom, then evenly distribute brown sugar for a caramelized foundation.
- Artfully position pineapple rings over the sugary layer, nestling a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center of each ring.
- Whip softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until the cheesecake mixture becomes completely homogeneous.
- Gently distribute the creamy cheesecake layer over the pineapple arrangement, ensuring an even spread.
- Prepare cake batter according to package instructions, optionally enhancing with a tablespoon of pineapple juice for intensified flavor.
- Carefully cascade the cake batter over the cheesecake layer, maintaining distinct layer separation.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the surface turns golden and the center sets firmly.
- Allow the dessert to cool for 10-15 minutes, then delicately separate the edges from the pan using a knife.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal flavor and texture.
- Invert the cheesecake onto a serving platter, revealing the caramelized pineapple topping.
- Embellish with dollops of whipped cream and additional maraschino cherries before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, ripe pineapples for the most vibrant and sweet flavor that elevates the entire dessert’s taste profile.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and a perfectly creamy cheesecake texture.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg