Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of pineapple upside-down cake with the creamy goodness of cheesecake. This dessert celebrates the vibrant taste of caramelized pineapple and maraschino cherries, layered over a rich cheesecake base. It’s a unique and delicious treat that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a special family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this dessert! First, it combines two favorites: cheesecake and the classic pineapple upside-down cake. Second, the tangy pineapple upside-down treat offers a delightful contrast of flavors with its sweet, caramelized topping. Third, it’s an impressive centerpiece for any occasion. Fourth, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! The easy pineapple upside-down cake recipe ensures that you can prepare it with minimal fuss. Fifth, it is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations. Lastly, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile dessert option!

Ingredients for Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

Gather these items:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed (for topping)
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple rings in juice, well-drained
10-12 maraschino cherries, stems removed, patted dry
1 1/2 cups (180g) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for crust)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
3 (8-ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed (for filling)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature

How to Make Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside Step-by-Step

Step 1: Line a 9-inch springform pan bottom with parchment paper; re-clip sides. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter evenly over parchment. Sprinkle 1 cup light brown sugar over butter. Arrange drained pineapple rings on sugar. Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. Chill pan.
Step 2: Crush graham crackers into 1 1/2 cups fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and optional 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter until moistened. Carefully sprinkle and press crust mixture firmly over the pineapple layer in the chilled pan. (Optional: Pre-bake crust at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes; cool slightly.)
Step 3: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the springform pan with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil for a water bath. In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour; beat on low until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Add room temperature sour cream; mix until just blended. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low until just incorporated (do not overmix).
Step 4: Pour filling over the crust in the prepared pan. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles. Place foil-wrapped pan into a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan, halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 60-75 minutes, until edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Turn off oven, leave cheesecake inside with door ajar for 1 hour for slow cooling. Remove from water bath, unwrap foil, and cool completely on a wire rack (1-2 hours).
Step 5: Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, ideally overnight. Run a thin knife around the edge before unclipping and removing the springform sides. Place a serving plate on top, then carefully and confidently invert the cheesecake onto the plate. Gently peel off the parchment paper to reveal the beautiful caramelized pineapple and cherries. Slice with a sharp, warm knife and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

Keep these in mind:

For best results, allow the cheesecake to chill overnight.
Use a warm knife for clean slices.
Optional: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

Enjoy this dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its flavors. Pair it with a refreshing tropical fruit salad for a complete experience. This pineapple dessert with a tangy flavor is perfect for summer gatherings or festive occasions!

Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside Cake Delight - Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

To store, cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It can last up to five days in the fridge. For meal prep enthusiasts, this dessert is ideal as it can be made ahead of time. If you want to enjoy a slice warm, gently reheat it in the oven at low temperature, making sure not to overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside?

The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This ensures a creamy texture and prevents cracks in your cheesecake.

Can I make Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert benefits from chilling overnight, which enhances the flavors and makes for easier slicing.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside?

Common mistakes include rushing the chilling process and not using a water bath while baking. Both steps are crucial to achieve the desired texture and moisture in your cheesecake.

Variations of Sweet Tangy Pineapple Upside You Can Try

For a twist, consider adding toasted coconut on top for a tropical flair. You can also substitute the graham cracker crust with a cookie crust for a different flavor profile. Finally, try adding different fruits like mango or peaches to the topping for a fruity variation!

For more delicious recipes, check out our easy pineapple upside-down cake recipe or learn about celebrating special occasions. If you’re interested in more dessert ideas, visit our dessert collection for inspiration!