Description
This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a whimsical, no-bake dessert featuring a creamy, flavored filling with a colorful swirl effect. Perfect for parties and special occasions, it combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a light, fluffy cheesecake infused with cotton candy flavor and topped with playful sprinkles and real cotton candy pieces.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- Pink food coloring
- Blue food coloring
Toppings
- Extra whipped cream
- Cotton candy pieces
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes to firm up before adding the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring thoroughly into the cream cheese mixture for a sweet, unique taste.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy texture.
- Color the Filling: Divide the cheesecake filling evenly into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue food coloring to the other, mixing each until color is uniform.
- Create Swirls: Spoon alternating dollops of the pink and blue cheesecake batter over the chilled crust. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors for a marbled effect.
- Chill and Set: Smooth the top of the cheesecake, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Once set, release the springform pan sides, decorate the top with extra whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and cotton candy pieces for a fun presentation.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut the cheesecake into 8 to 10 slices and serve chilled for a delightful, fluffy dessert experience.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- Use chilled heavy cream and a cold bowl for best whipping results.
- If cotton candy flavoring is not available, a small amount of cotton candy syrup can be substituted.
- Swirling the colors gently ensures a pretty marbled look without mixing them completely.
- For best texture, chill the cheesecake overnight.