Last Updated on March 25, 2022
Who doesn’t love a good pineapple topping for cheesecake? We have created two incredibly delicious, quick, and easy toppings for you to try!
There are few things better than cheesecake with pineapple topping. The sweetness of pineapple pairs incredibly well with the slight tanginess that cheesecake has. It can also, depending on which topping you choose to make, adds a nice soft yet crunchy texture. And, you can even use these recipes as bases for any type of fruit topping for cheesecake.
Choosing The Perfect Pineapple Topping For Cheesecake
When it comes to decorating cheesecake, there are simultaneously a ton of options and none really. What we mean by this is that it will usually be some type of compote, jam, glaze, or sauce.
But, within these types of toppings, there are an endless amount of flavor options to choose from or experiment with.
For a pineapple topping, we would highly recommend either making a compote topping for cake (a textured type of jam) or a pineapple glaze for cheesecake.
Making a compote will allow you to add some texture to your smooth and creamy cheesecake. You can also add additional fruits like peaches or strawberries, and even fresh herbs like mint or thyme. And, for winter months, adding spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves will add a hearty spice to it.
As for a pineapple glaze, this option works best for spring or summer. It is a way to add more flavor without adding a heavy texture to the cake.
Both of the pineapple topping recipes we gave today are perfect to experiment with and extremely easy to make. You don’t need a ton of ingredients and they won’t take up a lot of your time (an added bonus considering cheesecake is quite a lengthy process sometimes).
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Pineapple Topping For Cake
This is an incredibly quick and easy pineapple topping for a cake that can be used for both cheesecakes and cakes! And, you can make it using either canned or real pineapple!
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Silicone spatula
How to Make this Pineapple Topping for Cheesecake
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Start by simply adding all of the ingredients inside a medium saucepan. Do not drain the crushed pineapples. Give the ingredients a good stir to ensure they are all evenly distributed.
Step 2: Simmer the mixture
Once the ingredients have been stirred, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the pineapples to simmer for about 5-8 minutes, or until the mixture becomes nice and thick.
You can adjust the consistency by adding more water to thin it, or dusting over more corn starch to thicken it.
Step 3: Allow it to cool
Especially when working with cheesecake (and even more so if you are making a no-bake cheesecake), you have to allow the pineapple topping to cool completely before adding it on top of the cake.
Allow the mixture to first cool at room temperature before using it or placing it inside the fridge.
Tips and Tricks
- You don’t have to use crushed canned pineapple. You can also use fresh pineapple that has been finely chopped. This will give you a fresher and more authentic pineapple-like flavor. The downside to using fresh pineapples is that they aren’t always in season (to get the best possible flavor) and it will be more work to prepare them.
- When using corn starch, you have to simmer the mixture. This is to ensure that you cook out all of the corn starch flavors and that you get rid of the rubbery texture it can leave when uncooked.
- To adjust the consistency, you can add a dash of water and mix it in to help thin it. To thicken it, dust over some more corn starch to prevent lumps from forming. You will again need to cook out the additional corn starch.
Servings and Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Servings |
| 2 minutes | 8 minutes | For one 10-inch cake or cheesecake |
Pineapple Glaze For Cheesecake
If you want a light and flavorful topping, then this pineapple glaze for cheesecake is perfect for you! It is very quick and easy to make, will add juiciness to your cheesecake, and give it a beautiful and simplistic finish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 4-6 tablespoons pineapple juice
Equipment
- Sieve
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
How to Make a Pineapple Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
It is crucial to make sure your confectioners’ sugar is properly sifted. You do not want any lumps to be in the glaze. For safety, we always like to sift the powdered sugar three times to ensure there are no lumps and create an airy glaze.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
Start by adding 4 tablespoons of pineapple juice to the sifted powdered sugar. Whisk until a smooth slurry forms. You might need to add more pineapple juice to help thin the consistency.
Step 3: Pour the pineapple glaze onto the cheesecake
We like to transfer the pineapple glaze to a measuring jug to make pouring much easier. This will also allow you to quickly heat the glaze in the microwave if it stiffens too much.
Slowly and gently pour the pineapple glaze on your cheesecake and leave it to set for about 15 minutes.
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Tips and Tricks
- If you need to thin the consistency of the glaze, simply add more pineapple juice. You can also add water or milk, but it dilutes the pineapple flavor.
- To make the glaze thicker, simply sift over some more powdered sugar and whisk it in. This will help prevent lumps from forming.
- You can add pineapple extract to enhance the pineapple flavor of the glaze.
- Remember to garnish your beautifully glazed cheesecake with dried pineapple pieces or fresh pineapple rings. Mint also adds another refreshing element.
Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Servings |
| 5 minutes | 0 minutes | For one cheesecake |
Cheesecake With Pineapple Topping
If you loved our delicious strawberry topping for cheesecake then you will love these pineapple toppings too! And, feel free to let us know in the comments below how you like to flavor your pineapple toppings!
Pineapple Topping For Cake
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by simply adding all of the ingredients inside a medium saucepan. Do not drain the crushed pineapples. Give the ingredients a good stir to ensure they are all evenly distributed.
- Once the ingredients have been stirred, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the pineapples to simmer for about 5-8 minutes, or until the mixture becomes nice and thick.
- You can adjust the consistency by adding more water to thin it, or dusting over more corn starch to thicken it.
- Especially when working with cheesecake (and even more so if you are making a no-bake cheesecake), you have to allow the pineapple topping to cool completely before adding it on top of the cake.
- Allow the mixture to first cool at room temperature before using it or placing it inside the fridge.
Notes
When using corn starch, you have to simmer the mixture. This is to ensure that you cook out all of the corn starch flavors and that you get rid of the rubbery texture it can leave when uncooked.
To adjust the consistency, you can add a dash of water and mix it in to help thin it. To thicken it, dust over some more corn starch to prevent lumps from forming. You will again need to cook out the additional corn starch.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.