Exotic Island Medley Cheesecake 🍒🍊

Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs 🍪
2 tablespoons melted butter 🧈
For the Filling:
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained 🍍
3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
1/2 cup cold water 💧
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 🌿
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed 🧀
1 1/2 cups seedless grapes, halved 🍇
1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and halved 🍊
1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped 🍒
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 🌰
2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip) 🍥
Directions:
1️⃣ Create the Crust:
In a small mixing bowl, blend the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until they come together in a sandy texture. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan coated with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a small saucepan, gently warm the crushed pineapple and granulated sugar over medium heat, cooking for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 1 minute to bloom.
Stir the softened gelatin into the warm pineapple mixture until fully dissolved. Reduce the heat to low, add the cubed cream cheese, and stir constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Once cooled, gently fold in the halved grapes, mandarin oranges, chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans. Then, carefully fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fully combined and airy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the luscious fruit and cream cheese filling into the prepared crust, using a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
4️⃣ Chill and Set:
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to ensure it sets completely.
5️⃣ Serve the Tropical Delight:
Once fully set, carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve this tropical treat chilled, optionally garnishing with additional fresh fruit or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Overnight chilling
Servings: 10
Dive into your Exotic Island Medley Cheesecake, a delightful fusion of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors that will transport your taste buds to paradise! 🌴🍍🍇🍒