Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full crackers)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Pineapple Topping
- 1 can pineapple rings, drained and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust firmly into the bottom of each liner.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix gently to avoid overbeating, which can lead to cracks.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the crusts in the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple Topping
- Cut each pineapple ring in half so they fit neatly on top of each cheesecake.
- Sprinkle a small amount of brown sugar over each pineapple slice to help it caramelize in the oven.
- Place a halved pineapple ring on top of each filled muffin cup.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake the mini cheesecakes at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set. They may appear slightly jiggly, which is fine as they will firm up while cooling.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecakes to cool for 10 minutes in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled and set.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, drizzle each cheesecake with caramel sauce to enhance the flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Serve immediately, or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes + Chill time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g