Ingredients
Crust:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pineapple Layer:
– 1 can pineapple rings, drained and patted dry
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
– 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
Cake Layer:
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup pineapple juice
Decoration:
– Whipped cream
– Pineapple wedges
– White chocolate curls
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
3. Wrap the outside of the pan with two layers of foil to prevent leaks.
4. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt.
5. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then let it cool.
7. Pour melted butter over the cooled crust.
8. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.
9. Pat pineapple rings dry, then arrange them over the sugar.
10. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
11. Add sugar and mix until creamy.
12. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix just until smooth.
13. Spread cheesecake mixture carefully over the pineapple layer.
14. In another bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and pineapple juice until combined.
15. Pour cake batter gently over the cheesecake layer.
16. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
17. Cool in the pan for 1 hour at room temperature.
18. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
19. Release the springform ring carefully.
20. Decorate with whipped cream, pineapple wedges, and white chocolate curls.
21. Slice with a warm clean knife and serve chilled.
Notes
Pat the pineapple rings very dry before layering. This helps the brown sugar caramelize and prevents excess liquid.
For clean bakery-style slices, chill the cheesecake overnight and wipe the knife clean between each cut.
Do not skip the crust. It gives the dessert structure and creates the same bakery-style look as the photo.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired