Pineapple Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups (6 oz) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (2 oz) melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¾ cup (5.3 oz) sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (4 oz) sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for added stability)
For the Topping:

1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained
Optional: Fresh pineapple chunks or slices for garnish
Optional: Whipped cream for serving
Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Make the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated. If using, add the tablespoon of flour to help stabilize the filling.
Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.
Bake the Cheesecake:

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly (it will firm up while cooling).
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking.
After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best texture.
Add the Topping: