No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake (Printable Version)

Creamy, tangy pineapple cheesecake on buttery graham crust—no oven needed for this refreshing summer dessert.

# What You'll 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, juice reserved
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

# Directions:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened and press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
02 - Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and reserved pineapple juice. Beat until fully combined.
03 - Fold in the drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
04 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
05 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and pineapple mixture until fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
06 - Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely set.
07 - Release the springform ring and top with additional well-drained crushed pineapple. Garnish with freshly whipped cream and mint leaves if desired. Slice and serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tropical pineapple brightness cuts through the rich creaminess perfectly
  • You get an elegant dessert without heating up your kitchen
  • The texture is impossibly smooth, like eating a cloud
02 -
  • Rushing the chilling time means a sad, soft cheesecake that wobbles instead of slices
  • Overwhipping the cream after folding will deflate all the air you worked so hard to incorporate
  • Skip draining the pineapple well enough and your filling will weep liquid all over the plate
03 -
  • Toast some coconut flakes and sprinkle them on top for extra texture contrast
  • A splash of coconut milk in the filling adds another tropical layer

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