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Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake: Two layers of buttery pineapple upside-down cake stuffed with pineapple cheesecake, just like The Cheesecake Factory, but homemade!
Who knew your two favorite desserts could get any better, pineapple upside down cheesecake for the win!
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“Wow!!! Seriously so GOOD!!! One on the best cheesecakes I’ve ever made. Everyone enjoyed it and I received so many compliments.” – Anita
Oooooh boy, you know we love our cheesecakes. I have posted many a cheesecake recipe. But, normally it’s all about what Jeremy likes *eye roll*
Yesterday, though, it was my birthday so it has been all about what I likes. So, I wanted a massive dessert for my birthday… is that a crime?!
This pineapple upside down cake is the perfect treat for any special occasion or just because you deserve something amazing.
Imagine slicing into a cake with a golden brown top, revealing the delicious layers of pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and a luscious pineapple cheesecake filling.
Each bite is a heavenly mix of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Trust me, this Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake is a showstopper and a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive into the full recipe for this incredible dessert!
Some of our other favorite CHEESECAKE RECIPES we have on our site include: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce, White Chocolate Golden Oreo Cheesecake Bars Recipe, and Best & Easy Lemon Cheesecake Recipe.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CHEESECAKE:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?
- CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Copycat Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The sweet pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling.
- Great Texture: The cake batter is moist and fluffy, providing a great base for the rich cheesecake layer.
- Showstopper Dessert: This dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning, making it perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Sour cream
- Pineapple juice
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Canned or fresh pineapple rings
- Maraschino cherries
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Milk
HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CHEESECAKE:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, wrap it in heavy-duty foil, and set aside.
- Whip the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer.
- Mix in one egg at a time until fully combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the sour cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Mix until completely smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and place into a large roasting dish.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F. Place the cheesecake with the roasting pan into the oven.
- Fill the roasting pan with hot water from the tap halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, turn off the heat, and leave in the oven for an additional 20 minutes to set.
- Take the cheesecake base out of the oven and out of the roasting pan. Let it cool on the counter to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight is best.
FOR THE TOPPING
- Divide the melted butter equally between two 9-inch cake pans.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the brown sugar into each pan.
- Place cherries and pineapple slices as pictured and set aside.
FOR THE CAKE
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk to combine.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs, sour cream, milk, pineapple juice and vanilla until combined.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined, with no dry spots or lumps.
- Evenly divide the batter between the two pans and smooth out the top, be careful not to disrupt the pineapple and cherries on the bottom.
- Put on the oven rack and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, and they are golden brown.
- Place cakes on a wired rack to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
CAKE ASSEMBLY
- Invert the cooled pineapple cake, one onto a flat surface like a cutting board and the other on the plate you will be presenting on.
- Take the pineapple cheesecake out of the ring and lift it off the bottom of the pan carefully; you may need to use a tool like an offset spatula to help.
- Place the cheesecake on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top. You can serve it immediately or place it in the fridge until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS THIS A COPYCAT RECIPE?
Yes, this Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Cake is inspired by the one from The Cheesecake Factory.
It has all the flavors you love but is homemade with a personal touch.
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance.
Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
The flavors actually get better as they sit!
Just keep in mind that the presentation will look best on the first day.
The pieces of fruit tend to get a little off color after that. They’ll taste just as good, though.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Make sure you save the recipe card.
You’d have to be a little bit crazy not to want to make this one again!
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle on top of the pineapple rings for a tropical twist.
- Chopped Pecans: Add to the cake batter for some crunch.
- Crushed Pineapple: Mix into the cheesecake filling for more pineapple flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop for extra creaminess.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the top before serving.
- Lemon Zest: Add to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy zing.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle on the sides of the cheesecake for added texture.
- Cinnamon: Mix a pinch into the cake batter for a warm flavor.
- Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty addition.
- Chocolate Chips: Add to the cake batter for a chocolatey surprise.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Homemade cheesecake is one of my favorite things.
This pineapple upside-down cheesecake is probably the best kind!
- Cream Cheese: Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Sour Cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Butter: Use coconut oil if you prefer a non-dairy fat.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a different sweetness.
- Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free.
- Milk: Replace with almond milk or another plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This keeps it fresh and delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze this cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Water Bath: Use a water bath to bake the cheesecake. This helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake creamy.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the cheesecake filling on low speed to avoid adding too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Cool Completely: Let the cheesecake cool completely on the counter or a wire rack before refrigerating. This helps set the cheesecake properly.
- Invert Carefully: When inverting the pineapple upside-down cakes, do it gently to keep the pineapple and cherries in place.
- Chill Time: Let the assembled cheesecake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for best results.
Yummm, excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard. This is one heck of a cake!
I truly hope you liked today’s recipe for Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake.
What is your favorite Cheesecake Factory cheesecake flavor?
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Copycat Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
Ingredients
Pineapple Cheesecake
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temp
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 14 slices canned or fresh pineapple rings
- 14 maraschino cherries
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the cheesecake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, wrap it in heavy-duty foil, and set aside.
- Whip the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer.16 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Mix in one egg at a time until fully combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.2 large eggs
- Add the sour cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Mix until completely smooth.1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place into a large roasting dish.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F. Place the cheesecake with the roasting pan into the oven.
- Fill the roasting pan with hot water from the tap halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, turn off the heat and leave in the oven for an additonal 20 minutes to set.
- Take the cheesecake out of the oven and out of the roasting pan. Let it cool on the counter to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight is best.
For the topping
- Divide the melted butter equally between two 9-inch cake pans.1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the brown sugar into each pan.1 cup packed light brown sugar
- Arrange the pineapple slices and cherries as pictured and set aside.14 slices canned or fresh pineapple rings, 14 maraschino cherries
For the cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk to combine.1 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Whisk in the eggs, sour cream, milk, pineapple juice and vanilla until combined.1 large egg, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until combined, with no dry spots or lumps.
- Evenly divide the batter between the two pans and smooth out the top, be careful not to disrupt the pineapple and cherries on the bottom.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, and they are golden brown.
- Place cakes on a wired rack to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Cake assembly
- Invert the cakes, one onto a flat surface like a cutting board and the other on the plate you will be presenting on.
- Take the pineapple cheesecake out of the ring and lift it off the bottom of the pan carefully; you may need to use a tool like an offset spatula to help.
- Place the cheesecake on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top. You can serve it immediately or place it in the fridge until ready to serve. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Water Bath: Use a water bath to bake the cheesecake. This helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake creamy.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the cheesecake filling on low speed to avoid adding too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Cool Completely: Let the cheesecake cool completely on the counter or a wire rack before refrigerating. This helps set the cheesecake properly.
- Invert Carefully: When inverting the pineapple upside-down cakes, do it gently to keep the pineapple and cherries in place.
- Chill Time: Let the assembled cheesecake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for best results.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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This post was updated on 8/2024 with a new recipe, post text, and images.
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Based on what I made versus some comments left, clearly the recipe has been revised, but as of 12.24.25, IT’S FANTASTIC!
Made this for Christmas Eve with folks, and again the Saturday after for a friend gathering, and I love it! Someone mentioned using parchment paper under the cheesecake, in the spring form – I haven’t done that yet, but sounds wise. The only difficult part was getting the cheesecake out.
My brother, who requested this treat, loved it and said it was as good as cheesecake factory’s version.
Tastewise? It’s pretty nice. But there were numerous complications that force me to give it a lower score. My cheesecake refused to come out from the bottom of the springform pan after I let it chill despite greasing the pan ahead of cooking. The cakes turned soggy after sitting for a night while I waited for the cheesecake to chill. Which led to a huge mess in the assemply process since they wouldn’t come free from their respective plates without turning to mush. All things I admit, are likely cooking failures on my part. A parchment paper bottom underneath the cheesecake likely would have made its removal a hundred times easier. And if I had realized just how thin the cakes were, I would have cooked them much later in the process. But since I’m judging the recipe as a whole. Overall though. Fun enough to play with and relatively tasty. Though I wouldn’t personally recommend it to anyone.
This is the most delicious cake I think I’ve ever made. I highly highly recommend it. I’ll be making this one of my favorite recipes.
This cake turned out really good for me! I followed the instructions exactly. The closest cheesecake factory is 3 hours from me and their pineapple upside down cheesecake is my favorite so finding this recipe was amazing. The comments about it the cake overflowing probably had it on the wrong serving size setting. You can choose 1x,2x or 3x depending on how much you want to make
the cake turned out exactly as pictured and delicious! Thank you for this super simple and straightforward recipe!
This is an absolutely delicious dessert! I didn’t have any issues with things spilling over. The only thing I would suggest that wasn’t already part of the recipe would be to use parchment paper on all three of the pans, just on the bottoms. It will make transfer a whole lot easier. Otherwise, it was great, and definitely quite smilar to the Cheesecake Factory version. Thank you for sharing this!
This was AMAZING! My boyfriend wanted cheesecake, I wanted upside down pineapple cake, and this combination couldn’t be any better. I started making it then read the comments. I was a little nervous, but I think maybe the receipt was revised? I did not experience anything like some of the negative comments. Never the less, it was super easy to make. The instructions were easy to follow and I really appreciated the measurements of ingredients that where listed with the written instructions. The only thing I did different, due to being impatient, was not allowing the cheese cake to sit for 8 hours. I didn’t have a springform pan so I used a regular cake pan that I put parchment paper in. I wrapped my pan in tin foil and used a water bath using my cast iron. It was perfect. Once out of the oven, I let cool, then placed it in the fridge for 2 hours while allowing the cakes to cool. I assembled the cakes and cheesecake and we were eating it a piece within 4.5 hours. It was perfect, delicious and beautiful!!
Excellent I think it’s even better as it sits Better than the Cheesecake Factory version 😋
Wow!!! Seriously so GOOD!!! One on the best cheesecakes I’ve ever made. Everyone enjoyed it and I received so many compliments.
This is a terrible recipe and bad instructions came out way to runny I followed the recipe to the letter. As I was watching this cheesecake seep through the pan I was reading some of your notes on top and I saw that you got this recipe from some other site well I looked into it and that recipe doesn’t called for 1/3 cup of pineapple juice also it ask for there to be a graham cracker crust. You should definitely clarify and explain the recipe better
I can’t rate the recipe as of yet. The cheesecake is in the oven. The cheesecake batter is a lot. I noticed that someone asked if I rather had doubled the recipe. I went back to look at the recipe. Is calls for 4 8oz pack of cream cheese. As the recipe is put on this site, it give you choice to to double it. I took a look at the double recipe. The cheesecake portion calls for 24oz of cream cheese. I think those must be some sort of flaw or mistake.
I saw other comments saying the cheesecake filled up the entire springform pan and rose up almost spilling out and it made me very worried, but I decided to give it a go still. Sadly the same thing happened to my cheesecake. I’ve made plenty of cheesecakes before and followed the recipe to a T. If it’s happening to several people there is something about this recipe that isn’t correct or explained properly. Didn’t even try to make the cakes after the horrible cheesecake fail. Definitely a disappointment.
No everything should be cooled.