Tropical Pineapple Cheesecake with Pineapple Cake Topping: Layers of Southern Comfort and Caribbean Joy

Decadence Reimagined—From the Islands to the South

Step into a tropical paradise with this show-stopping dessert that layers a velvety pineapple cheesecake with a moist, fruity pineapple cake topping. It’s creamy, spiced, sweet—and completely unforgettable.

Inspired by Southern charm and infused with a Caribbean twist, this dish is more than dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor and culture. Perfect for cookouts, holidays, or solo indulgence, this layered beauty is as stunning on the plate as it is on the palate.

Ingredients

Cheesecake Ingredients:

• 3 blocks cream cheese
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
• Maraschino cherries

Dry Base (for cheesecake):

• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk

Cake Topping Ingredients:

• 1⅔ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until lump-free.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup butter.
3. Whisk in ¾ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Mix in the egg, milk, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Bake the Pineapple Cake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries at the bottom.
3. Pour cake batter over the fruit.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, then tent loosely with foil.
5. Bake another 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely. Use a large spatula to transfer the cooled cake onto the cheesecake layer later.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each. Scrape the sides as needed.
3. Mix in sour cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until completely smooth.

Step 4: Create the Caramel Base

1. In the springform pan, arrange pineapple rings and cherries.
2. Drizzle with melted butter and brown sugar mixture.
3. Pour cheesecake batter over the fruit and sugar layer.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in a roasting dish with hot water for a water bath.
2. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
3. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 20 minutes.
4. Cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

1. Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Remove the cooled cheesecake from the pan.
3. Gently place the cooled pineapple cake on top.

Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions

• Pair it up: Serve with coffee, tea, or a chilled tropical mocktail.
• Let it breathe: Bring the dessert to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
• Garnish like a pro: Add extra cherries, pineapple slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Add shine: A light pineapple glaze gives a glossy, professional finish.

About the Creator

This layered masterpiece comes from @eatwithcrista, a passionate home chef known for fusing Southern comfort with Caribbean flair and a flair for the dramatic. Her desserts don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—they tell a story. With each vibrant, flavor-packed bite, Crista invites you into her world of bold flavors, nostalgic textures, and food that feels like home with a tropical passport.

Follow her culinary creations and flavor journeys on TikTok:
eatwithcrista

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