Pineapple Cheesecake Bites

 Ingredients:

**Crust:**
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons sugar

**Cheesecake Filling:**
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream

**Pineapple Topping:**
– 1 can pineapple slices, drained and patted dry
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice

**Whipped Cream:**
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Garnish:**
– Pineapple slices or chunks
– Mint leaves
– Crushed graham crackers
– Caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Crust:**
– In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
– Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
– Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

2. **Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
– Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until creamy.
– In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
– Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
– Spoon the filling over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
– Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.

3. **Prepare the Pineapple Topping:**
– In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
– Remove from heat and let cool completely.
– Once cooled, spoon the pineapple topping over the set cheesecakes.

4. **Make the Whipped Cream:**
– In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
– Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the pineapple topping on the cheesecakes.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Garnish each cheesecake bite with a small pineapple slice or chunk, a mint leaf, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
– Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy these refreshing and delicious pineapple cheesecake bites!