No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake (Printable version)

Light and creamy pineapple-infused cheesecake on a buttery graham crust. No oven needed for this refreshing summer dessert.

# What you need:

→ Crust

01 - 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar

→ Filling

04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
06 - ⅔ cup powdered sugar
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 1½ cups crushed pineapple, drained
09 - 2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
10 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Topping

11 - ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
12 - Whipped cream and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

# How To:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened throughout.
02 - Press mixture firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese in large bowl until smooth and creamy texture achieved.
04 - Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and reserved pineapple juice. Beat until fully incorporated.
05 - Fold in drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.
06 - Whip cold heavy cream in separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
08 - Spread cheesecake filling evenly over prepared crust. Smooth top surface.
09 - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate minimum 4 hours until completely set.
10 - Top with additional crushed pineapple before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and mint leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tropical pineapple brightness cuts through rich cream cheese like sunshine breaking through clouds
  • You can assemble it entirely ahead and pull it from the fridge looking like you spent hours on something elegant
02 -
  • Pineapple holds onto liquid stubbornly so drain it for at least 15 minutes and even press it gently with a spoon
  • The springform pan is nonnegotiable here because you will never get this cheesecake out in one piece otherwise
03 -
  • Warm a damp towel and wrap it around the outside of the pan for 30 seconds to help release the cheesecake more easily
  • The crust will be firmer if you press it into the pan and then freeze it for 15 minutes before adding the filling

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