Description
Creamy mini cheesecakes infused with coconut and pineapple, perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional garnish)
- Pineapple chunks (optional garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or crush manually using a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using) until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup, pressing it firmly into the bottom.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly golden. Let cool while preparing the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (2-3 minutes).
- Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed coconut milk, continuing to beat on low speed until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to avoid air bubbles.
- Mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using).
- Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
- Tap the muffin tin on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18-20 minutes, until the centers are just set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecakes cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Chill the cheesecakes in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
- In a small saucepan, combine crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, mix water and cornstarch, then add to the pineapple mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and bubbly (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in vanilla extract and let the topping cool.
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecakes from the muffin tin.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pineapple topping onto each cheesecake.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes, pineapple chunks, or whipped cream if desired.
- Serve these tropical treats cold and enjoy!
Notes
For a stronger coconut flavor, use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheesecake, tropical dessert, coconut, pineapple, easy dessert
