Ingredients
For the Pineapple Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 12 maraschino cherries
- 6 pineapple rings, cut in half
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla wafer crumbs)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Create the Pineapple Topping
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Place a half pineapple ring on top of the brown sugar mixture in each cup.
- Add a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
Step 3: Make the Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture over the pineapple layer in each muffin cup.
- Press down firmly using the back of a spoon or a small cup to compact the crust.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and egg, then mix until fully combined.
- Stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Spoon the cheesecake batter over the crust in each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Run a knife around the edges of each cheesecake to loosen them.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight) for best results.
- To serve, carefully flip each cheesecake upside-down onto a plate, revealing the caramelized pineapple topping!
Notes
Yields: 12 mini cheesecakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2-4 hours