Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners for easy removal of the cheesecakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Spoon about a teaspoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup. Place a pineapple slice over the sugar mixture in each cup. If necessary, cut the pineapple slices to fit the mold. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice for that classic upside-down look.

Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, on top of the pineapple slices. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add in the sugar and continue beating until well incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice for added flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crusts in the muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. The filling will settle around the pineapple and cherry toppings.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecakes

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tops of the cheesecakes are set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Chill the Cheesecakes

Once cooled, refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely chilled and set. This step is essential to ensure the cheesecakes hold their shape when unmolded.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, gently run a knife around the edges of each cheesecake to loosen it from the muffin tin, if necessary. Flip the cheesecakes upside down to reveal the caramelized pineapple and cherry on top. Serve chilled, and enjoy the burst of tropical flavors with every creamy bite!