Easy summer dessert recipes don’t get much better than this! Pineapple cheesecake is refreshing, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
While it’s not the first flavor that comes to mind when you think of cheesecakes, you’ll be amazed at how well the ingredients work together. I’m confident it will be one you’ll go back to again and again!
Products you need for this recipe
Here are a few items you’ll need for this recipe:
- Pineapple concentrate – you can make your own (see recipe section) or you can pick it up from the supermarket or store
- Allspice – an important ingredient to give your biscuit base that extra edge
- Digestive biscuits – my go-to biscuit base ingredient. You could also go for a graham cracker crust, but for me it’s digestives every time
- Icing sugar – icing sugar, or confectioners sugar, is important for this recipe
- Vanilla paste – it adds a richness to the cream cheese mix
- Chilli flakes – a topping to make your taste buds tingle
- Airtight container – unless you’re planning on eating the whole thing in one go (hey, who can blame you?) you’ll need something to store it in
Pineapple cheesecake recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect summer cheesecake, this is for you!
The last thing you want to do on a hot summer’s day is bake. Just the thought of working away next to a hot oven is enough to make me break out into a sweat. So if, like me, you’re a cheesecake addict, there’s only one answer.
A no-bake cheesecake.
When it comes to summer flavors, pineapple is up there with the best of them. That sweet pineapple zing blends beautifully with the rich, luxurious cream cheese for a great summer dessert.
Best of all, it’s so easy to make! You’ll have the whole thing whipped up in less than an hour. Then, it’s time to let your cheesecake chill and set.
Would you like to save this?
Do you need to bake this pineapple cheesecake?
There’s no baking involved with this beaut. It’s the perfect recipe for those warm summer days when the oven is an absolute no-no.
The key to this dessert is the mixture of full-fat cream cheese and double cream, which sets when left to chill in the fridge for around six hours.
So, instead of standing in front of a hot oven waiting to set, you pop it in the fridge and let it do its thing. I recommend leaving it overnight—that way, it will be perfectly set and ready to be enjoyed the next day.
What biscuits are best for this pineapple cheesecake base?
For me, plain digestive biscuits work best. You want something buttery yet plain, so the other cheesecake flavors come through. Graham cracker crumbs would also work.
With this pineapple cheesecake recipe, I’ve used allspice with the biscuit base. It gives it a subtle spiciness that works wonders with the zesty pineapple. So, it’s even more important that the biscuits you go for are plain.
You could try a honey graham cracker crust if you fancy a little extra sweetness.
What’s the best cream cheese for pineapple cheesecake?
There are lots of different cream cheeses available in most good supermarkets and stores, from big brands to local types. You can just shop around until you find your favorite.
The only golden rule is to use whole-fat cream cheese. This is because total fat helps the cream cheese mixture set properly after chilling in the fridge.
Reduced-fat cream cheese doesn’t work when it comes to making cheesecakes. So, save it for the cream cheese and salmon bagels!
Can I use granulated sugar in place of icing sugar in a cheesecake?
When making your luscious cream cheese filling, you want to sweeten the deal by whisking in some sugar. You might be tempted to use granulated sugar in place of icing sugar.
Don’t! Using granulated sugar, you’ll have gritty sugar in your cream cheese mixture. Icing sugar is much finer and dissolves into the cream cheese when whisked in.
If you can’t find icing sugar, you can whizz up some granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds. It won’t be as good as icing sugar but works in a pinch.
What’s the difference between pineapple juice and pineapple concentrate?
Pineapple concentrate is pineapple juice that has been heated. When heated, a lot of the moisture in pineapple juice evaporates. This gives it a more intense pineapple taste and a thicker consistency.
How do you decorate a pineapple cheesecake?
Making a no-bake cheesecake is a joy! It’s a stress-free, quick and straightforward experience. Especially in the middle of a long, hot summer when the last thing you want to do is bake in a hot oven.
While the whole process is a joy, the decorating stage is the best part (aside from the eating, of course). Come on, we all love the chance to express our inner artist!
As this is a summery cheesecake, bringing a summer vibe to the dessert decorations is a great idea. You can go simple, with fresh crushed pineapple pieces, a squeeze of lime, a scattering of mint leaves, and a few sprinkles of chili flakes.
You could also scatter some graham crackers or digestive crumbs on top for an extra crunch.
Want to make it extra fruity? Try mixing passion fruit pieces with the pineapple on top.
How do you store pineapple cheesecake?
Your pineapple cheesecake will last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it’s sealed in an airtight container.
If you want to keep it longer than that, you can freeze pineapple cheesecake for up to three months. You can store the whole cheesecake by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a large freezer bag or an airtight, freezer-safe container.
You can also slice the cheesecake into individual portions, then wrap each piece in plastic before storing it in an airtight freezer bag.
Another tip – slice up your cheesecake into cheesecake bars before freezing them. Cheesecake bars make a delicious dessert snack, even if only partially defrosted!
Which wine pairs well with pineapple cheesecake?
This cheesecake is excellent to pair with a glass of wine. You’ve got the zesty pineapple flavors and the creamy cheese, both of which make exciting flavor combinations when paired with the right wine.
If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, try a sparkling chardonnay, semi-sweet cava, or semi-sweet prosecco.
For white wines, go for a Chenin blanc or a harvest Sauvignon blanc. Both have fruity, floral aromas and pair perfectly with fruits such as pineapple.
Also, riesling is another excellent dessert wine that would pair well with a slice of pineapple cheesecake.
Tips for a perfect pineapple cheesecake
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature when you start making the cheesecake mixture. Cream cheese softened mixes better
- Double the biscuit base ingredients if you prefer a thicker crust
- Don’t shorten the chilling time! It’s essential to let the cheesecake set properly. This will take six hours at a minimum, preferably overnight. If the pineapple cheesecake seems too soft, leave it in the fridge until adequately set
- When slicing your cheesecake, use a very sharp knife. Even better, you can just run it under a hot water tap first. That way, you’ll get a clean cut with every slice.
- Don’t forget to use a layer of greaseproof paper on the base of your springform tin. Also, make sure the base is the right way up. The lip of the lid should be facing down. That way, the cheesecake will be easier to remove
Perfect pineapple recipes
Can’t get enough of this fantastic fruit? You’ll want to try these recipes out:
- Pineapple & avocado smoothie – a fantastic flavor combination, this one goes down a treat. Healthy, easy to make and addictive. Do your tastebuds a favor and try this recipe
- Pineapple ice cream – is a unique summer treat; nothing hits the spot on a hot day like homemade pineapple ice cream. Hands down, it's one of the most excellent ice cream flavors you can get, and when you make it yourself, it tastes even better!
- Thai pineapple fried rice – a departure from the dessert recipes, this unique Thai dish shows just how versatile pineapple is. If you’re bored of the same old flavors and fancy something a little more exotic, give this recipe a go
More heavenly cheesecake recipes
I loved this pineapple cheesecake. Want some more cheesecake inspiration? Feast your eyes on these:
- No-bake limoncello cheesecake – another incredible summer cheesecake, this one has a delicious Italian liqueur as the star ingredient. If you’re a fan of lemon and a cheesecake lover, you can’t afford to miss out on this one!
- Banoffee cheesecake is a delicious indulgence of the highest order. This classic British cheesecake is the perfect pairing with your late-morning coffee and is guaranteed to put a spring in your step for the rest of the day
- Gin and tonic cheesecake – one for you gin fans out there! This boozy dessert is best enjoyed on a lazy summer afternoon under a clear blue sky.
- Chocolate orange cheesecake – you either love or hate the pairing of chocolate and orange. For those chocolate orange lovers, this is as good as it gets. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.
- Kinder Bueno cheesecake – inspired by the delicious chocolate bar, here’s another indulgent delight. Super simple and dangerously addictive… you have been warned!
- Amarula cheesecake – if you’ve never heard of Amarula, you’re in for a treat! Like nothing you’ve ever tasted, this cheesecake is one of my all-time favorites.
📖 Recipe
Pineapple Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake is a quick and easy recipe using fresh pineapples to make a fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Pineapple Concentrate
- 750ml pineapple juice
Biscuit Base
- 300g digestive biscuits, such as McVities
- 150g unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp allspice
Pineapple Cheesecake Filling
- 600g cream cheese
- 5ml vanilla paste
- 60g icing sugar
- 250ml pineapple concentrate
- ¼ fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 375ml heavy (double) cream
Pineapple Topping
- ¾ fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- ½ lime, juiced
Instructions
- For the Pineapple Concentrate: Place the juice in a saucepan over medium-low heat and allow to simmer until it has reduced by half. This should take around 15 minutes.
- For the Biscuit Base: While the pineapple juice is simmering, place the digestive biscuits in your food processor, blitz them into a crumb, and add the allspice. While the food processor is still running, add the melted butter and allow it to combine, which should only take about 15 seconds, then turn off.
- Prepare your 23cm (9 inch) springform pan by putting a layer of greaseproof paper over the base and then clasping the springform ring around the outside, as I find this easier when removing the cheesecake at the end.
- Pour your crumbs into the pan and flatten them evenly. I use the bottom of a large glass. Please place them in the fridge for around 10 minutes to chill.
- Remove the pineapple juice from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Pineapple Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla paste. I use a KitchenAid stand mixer on level 2 or 3, so it is much easier until it is as I find this smooth.
- Add the icing sugar a bit at a time and continue to mix.
- Add the concentrated pineapple juice and fresh pineapple, then mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy (double) cream until you achieve soft peaks, and then fold the cream cheese mix and heavy (double) cream until the cream is fully incorporated.
- Remove the tin from the fridge and cover the whole base with the cheesecake filling, then gently drop the tin onto the kitchen counter 5 to 10 times to let any bubbles out.
- Place the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove the cheesecake from the tin. Tip: I use a kitchen blowtorch to loosen the sides. Alternatively, I use a cloth dipped in hot water to complete the job.
- Pineapple Topping: To decorate, combine the pineapple, mint, lime juice, and chili flakes and decorate as you see fit. Have fun and enjoy!
Notes
- You might find pineapple concentrate in the shops if you prefer. If you do use it, you can just skip the steps regarding making the concentrate.
- Fresh is best, but you can substitute it with canned pineapple rings or chunks if you can't get fresh pineapple. You’ll need a maximum of 1½lb (800g) of pineapple or 1½ x 20oz (567g) tins.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Chilling Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chill
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 529
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 489.7 mg
- Fat: 38.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 22.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42.5 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 94.3 mg
Make my day! - Share your thoughts...