CHEESECAKE WITH PINEAPPLE

Cheesecake with Pineapple image

With its make-ahead convenience, this fruit-topped cheesecake often appears on my holiday menus. It never fails to impress guests. -Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups sour cream
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 to 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 large eggs, separated
TOPPING:
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cold water, divided
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 10-in. springform pan; set aside. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, milk, orange zest and vanilla. Add egg yolks; beat on low speed just until combined., In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour over crust. , Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 70-75 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Remove sides of pan., For topping, combine sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in pineapple. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water until smooth; stir into pineapple mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool completely. , Spread topping over cheesecake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 521 calories, Fat 34g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 190mg cholesterol, Sodium 321mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.