Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

**For the Pineapple Topping:**
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 7-8 pineapple rings (canned)
– Maraschino cherries

**For the Crust:**
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Pineapple Topping:**
– Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
– Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch springform pan and spread it evenly.
– Sprinkle the brown sugar over the melted butter.
– Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

2. **Prepare the Crust:**
– In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
– Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the springform pan over the pineapple rings.

3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
– Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Add the sour cream and flour, and mix until just combined.

4. **Assemble and Bake:**
– Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and pineapple topping.
– Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and add enough hot water to the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this is a water bath).
– Bake for 75-90 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.

5. **Cool and Serve:**
– Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
– Run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
– Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
– Carefully remove the springform pan sides, then invert the cheesecake onto a serving plate.

Enjoy your Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake!