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Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Salad

As you conclude your culinary journey with the Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Salad, it's clear that this dessert not only offers a delightful combination of flavors but also presents an opportunity to impress guests with its visual appeal. This dish is versatile and can be modified with various ingredients, such as tropical fruits or flavored extracts, to suit different tastes. To guarantee the best results, remember to serve it chilled and consider using clear glass bowls to showcase its colorful layers. For storage, keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to three days. Additionally, preparing it a day in advance can enhance the flavors. Ultimately, this salad serves as a perfect blend of creativity and deliciousness for any gathering.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pecans
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks (drained)
  • 1 jar maraschino cherries drained

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and unsalted butter; microwave until the mixture is bubbling.
  • Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract, then add the pecans, ensuring they are well-coated. Spread the pecans on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1 tsp of vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add the yellow cake mix, mixing until well combined.
  • Slowly drizzle in the heavy whipping cream while mixing on low speed until smooth. Then, incorporate the powdered sugar, ensuring the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.
  • Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries into the cheesecake mixture, followed by the cooled candied pecans.
  • For presentation, you can arrange pineapple rings around the edges of a clear glass bowl and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Transfer the cheesecake salad mixture into the bowl, ensuring the fruits and pecans are evenly distributed.