Mamma's No-Bake Easter Pineapple Cheesecake

Mamma's No-Bake Easter Pineapple Cheesecake

It has been over three months since my last blog post.  As many of you know I recently lost my mother otherwise known as "Amazing Grace," to pancreatic cancer on February 12, 2012.

I am slowly finding my way back into the heart of my home, with her in mind, and have been searching for the perfect recipe to share with my husband's family over the Easter weekend.  This is the first holiday since she has passed and being away from my father, three amazing sisters, nieces and nephews makes it even more difficult for me.



I have been thinking back to all the Easter meals that my mom made and one recipe in particular was a staple in our home at Easter time. This recipe was, and still is the perfect dessert to welcome spring, enjoy with as many loved ones as possible, and create a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Her Pineapple No-Bake Cheesecake.

This decadent yet refreshing dessert choice will bring mom a little closer to me over the holiday weekend and hopefully inspire you to make a dish that reminds you of happier times. It brings me comfort knowing that I can keep her memory alive through recipes to which I attach many wonderful times and stories.  Although this has been a very trying time in my life, I must keep living making sure never to forget all that my mother has taught me over the years.  If she really is with us in some way, I want her to know that I plan on living every moment as though it is my last, not only for me but for her as well. If you have lost someone, I encourage you to take this weekend and create a dish that reminds of that person. Surround yourselves with as many loved ones as possible and eat and celebrate with passion and conviction.

If you have a story and  recipe that reminds you of a lost loved one, I would love to hear it! I welcome you to share your stories and recipes below in the comments section.

Hope that you have an amazing Easter weekend everyone!

Buona Pasqua!


No-Bake Pineapple Cheesecake

1 package of graham wafer crumbs
1 package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1/4 cup of melted butter (unsalted)
19oz  can of crushed pineapple (drain juice and reserve)
1 small package of lemon jello
1 cup of boiling water  (to dissolve jello powder)
250 ml whipping cream (mom used sealtest)
1/2 cup icing sugar

1. Mix jello powder and boiling water and stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
2. Blend butter and wafer crumbs (set aside 1/2 cup crumbs for garnish) and line a large spring form pan with the mixture, pressing down to form a solid crust.
3.Blend cream cheese.
4.Slowly add jello mixture and pineapple juice, alternating slowly.
5.Add crushed pineapple to mixture and mix by hand.
6.In a separate bowl whip the whipping cream and icing sugar.
7 Fold the whipped cream in with the cream cheese mixture and blend until well incorporated.
8. Pour filling into spring form pan and top with remaining wafer crumbs,
9. Refrigerate cheesecake for 24 hours. (This will allow the cheesecake to set properly)
10. Enjoy!