The Ultimate Summer Delight: Cream Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 24 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup drained crushed pineapple
• 1 cup whipped heavy cream
• Fresh pineapple slices for garnish

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Add Pineapple and Cream: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and the whipped heavy cream.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for an additional 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set.
7. Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh pineapple slices.

Cooking Timeline

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Each slice contains approximately 450 calories.

Recipe yields 12 servings.