No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake (Printable)
Light and creamy cheesecake with tangy pineapple and buttery graham cracker crust. No baking required.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Filling
04 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
06 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
09 - 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Topping
11 - 1/2 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 crumbs hold together when pressed.
02 - Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
04 - Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and reserved pineapple juice. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Fold in the drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
06 - In a separate clean bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
08 - Spread filling evenly over chilled crust. Smooth top with offset spatula for even surface.
09 - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set and firm.
10 - Top with additional drained crushed pineapple. Add whipped cream and fresh mint leaves if desired. Release springform ring and slice.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Stays perfectly creamy without risking your kitchen turning into a sauna
- The tropical pineapple cuts through the rich cream cheese like a bright sunny morning
02 -
- I once skipped draining the pineapple well enough and ended up with a dessert that never fully set—don't learn this lesson the hard way
- Room temperature cream cheese incorporates so much better than cold, so plan ahead and let it sit out
03 -
- Toast your coconut flakes before adding them as a topping—the warmth and crunch transform the whole dessert
- A thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before adding the filling creates a waterproof barrier that keeps everything crisp