Pineapple Cheesecake Topping

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You’ll see how quick and easy this fresh pineapple cheesecake topping comes together with only 3 ingredients and in less than 10 minutes. 

Whether you are using a homemade cheesecake recipe or a store-bought New York style cheesecake this topping will add amazing tropical or Hawaiian flavor. 

Jump to:

• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Flavorful Additions
• Cheesecake Sizes and Topping
• How To Store Leftover Pineapple Topping
• Step by Step Photos and Directions
• How To Add Pineapple Topping To Cheesecake 
• Pineapple Cheesecake Topping

Ingredients and Substitutions

Fresh Pineapple

Using fresh in season sweet pineapple will take your pineapple cheesecake to the next level. Great flavor and texture. 

Frozen and canned pineapple can be used as a substitute. For frozen pineapple make sure it's fully thawed and for canned pineapple strain it really well. If the texture of the pineapple is too soft, chop it with a knife on a cutting board.

Want to know more about fresh pineapples? Picking, cutting, and how long they last in the fridge. 

Sugar

Taste your pineapple for its sweetness, then add sugar to taste. I use refined white sugar, so it adds no additional color to the topping. Cane sugar or unrefined sugar can be used as a substitute. 

Cornstarch

To thicken the juice of the pineapple, cornstarch works really well. It makes a nice velvety thickened glaze. Substitute arrowroot powder, potato starch, or rice flour, if you prefer. 

Flavorful Additions

Extract - Almond, lemon, coconut, or vanilla would add little extra something to enhance the topping. 

Coconut - Sweetened or toasted shredded coconut would give an extra tropical taste. 

Cherries - Red maraschino cherries would give a nice flavor and pop of color. 

Nuts - Lightly toasted sliced almonds or chopped macadamia to add crunch. 

Rum - A small capful of rum for an extra island flavor and aroma.

Cheesecake Sizes and Topping

This recipe can top up to a 10 inch cheesecake generously with extra pineapple topping to spare or two 6 inch cheesecakes for a crowd. 

Leftover topping can be easily used for breakfast or desserts, like toast, pancakes, biscuits, layered cake, and thumbprint cookies.

How To Store Leftover Pineapple Topping

After topping the cheesecake any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. In an airtight sealed container or glass jar for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage freeze it for up to 3-4 months. 

Step by Step Photos and Directions

1. Grab your prepped ingredients. Fresh pineapple, cornstarch, and sugar.

2. With a food processor or blender, pulse the fresh pineapple chunks until chopped.

3. Just a few pulses you want it a bit chunky.

4. Place the chopped pineapple through a sieve or strainer with a bowl under it to catch the fresh pineapple juice.

5. With a spoon or rubber spatula, lightly press the pineapple to separate the chopped pineapple and the juice.

6. Set the reserved chopped pineapple aside to mix in later.

7. In a saucepan add the fresh pineapple juice, cornstarch, and sugar.

8. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium.

9. Whisk until thickened about 3 minutes.

10. Remove from the heat and add reserved chopped pineapple from the sieve.

11. Lightly fold it in with a rubber spatula or spoon. Fully cool the pineapple topping, place into an airtight container, and fully chill it in the refrigerator.

How To Add Pineapple Topping To Cheesecake 

1. Grab your chilled fresh pineapple topping and cheesecake from the refrigerator.

2. Place the cheesecake on a serving platter.

3. Put a spoonful of pineapple topping little by little starting from one side of the cheesecake. You want to avoid spreading it too much, sometimes the top of chilled cheesecake can be soft.

4. Fully coat the whole cheesecake and it's ready to serve. Add whipped cream and fresh mint for an extra fancy touch.