No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake (Printable View)

Creamy pineapple-infused cheesecake on graham cracker crust. No baking needed.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar

→ Filling

04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
06 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 cups crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved
09 - 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Topping

11 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
12 - Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
13 - Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
02 - Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Chill in refrigerator while preparing the filling.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
04 - Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and reserved pineapple juice to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and mixture is uniform.
05 - Fold in the drained crushed pineapple gently until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
06 - In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, folding just until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
08 - Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula for a level surface.
09 - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm and set throughout.
10 - Top with additional well-drained crushed pineapple before serving. Add whipped cream and fresh mint leaves as desired for presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly smooth, like eating a sweet cloud that somehow holds its shape perfectly on your fork
  • That tangy pineapple cuts through all the richness so nothing feels heavy or cloying
  • You can make it the night before and feel like a genius when guests arrive
02 -
  • The pineapple must be drained until you think you've drained it enough, then drain it again
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non negotiable for that silky texture
  • This needs to chill completely before serving, or it will taste good but look sad on the plate
03 -
  • Whip the cream to just stiff peaks, over whipping makes it grainy and hard to fold
  • The lemon zest is not optional, it brightens everything and cuts through the richness

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