Description
Luscious golden pineapple-infused cheesecake bites offer a tropical escape with rich, creamy indulgence. Silky caramel drizzle and tangy pineapple create a perfect balance that transports taste buds to paradise, promising pure dessert bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to ensure effortless cheesecake removal.
- Create the foundational crust by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture achieves a cohesive, sandy consistency. Distribute and compress the mixture evenly across muffin cups to form a sturdy base.
- Craft the creamy cheesecake filling by whipping softened cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Gradually incorporate eggs, ensuring thorough integration after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Populate the muffin cups approximately ¾ full with the prepared cheesecake mixture, strategically nestling pineapple chunks into the filling, allowing them to slightly protrude for visual appeal.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until edges appear set and centers maintain a subtle wobble, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
- Allow cheesecake bites to cool completely within the tin, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal structural integrity and flavor melding.
- Prior to serving, embellish each miniature cheesecake with a luxurious caramel drizzle, optionally adorning with a maraschino cherry or delicate mint leaf for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly without overmixing.
- Avoid overbaking by watching for subtle jiggle in the center, which indicates a creamy texture and prevents dry, cracked cheesecake bites.
- Use fresh pineapple chunks for a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the rich cream cheese and adds natural sweetness to the dessert.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg