• Crust: Combine crust ingredients (crumbs, melted butter/oil, optional salt/sweetener). Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Freeze while preparing filling.
• Soak & Drain: Soak cashews using your preferred method (quick boil 10-15 mins or overnight soak). Drain well and rinse. Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh sieve, pressing firmly to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Blend Filling: Add soaked cashews, the thick part only of the chilled coconut cream, ⅓ cup maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and optional salt to a high-speed blender. Blend on high speed for 2-5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until completely smooth and velvety.
• Taste & Add Oil: Taste the filling. Add more maple syrup if desired for sweetness, blending briefly. With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the melted refined coconut oil. Blend just until incorporated (do not over-blend).
• Combine & Assemble: Pour the blended filling into a large bowl. Add the very well-drained crushed pineapple. Gently fold the pineapple into the filling using a rubber spatula until just combined. Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crust.
• Smooth & Chill: Smooth the top of the filling with the spatula. Cover the pan (e.g., with plastic wrap, avoiding contact with the surface) and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm to the touch.
• Serve: Once fully chilled and set, run a thin knife around the edge before releasing the sides of the springform pan. Slice with a large, sharp knife (wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat slices). Serve chilled.

NOTES:

• Use a high-speed blender for the best texture.
• Soaking cashews is essential for creaminess.
• Use only the thick, chilled cream from full-fat canned coconut milk.
• Drain pineapple extremely well to ensure proper setting.
• Refined coconut oil provides neutral flavor; unrefined tastes like coconut.
• Allow the full 6-8+ hours of chilling time for the cheesecake to set.
• See main Notes section above for substitution ideas (GF crust, etc.) and troubleshooting.