Description
This Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake features a buttery Nilla Wafer crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling infused with pineapple and vibrant orange flavors. The cheesecake is beautifully swirled with an orange layer to create an eye-catching dessert that balances sweetness and citrus tang, finished with a creamy sour cream topping accented with pineapple and vanilla extracts. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a tropical twist on a classic cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups Nilla Wafer Cookies, crushed
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup Crushed Pineapple, well-drained
- 32 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature (4 packages)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ⅔ cup Sour Cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 4 Eggs, room temperature, lightly whisked
Orange Swirl Layer:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature (1 package)
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 1 Orange, juiced
- 1 Egg, room temperature
- Optional: A few drops of orange food coloring
Sour Cream Topping:
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Pineapple Extract
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a food processor, blend Nilla Wafer Cookies until finely crushed. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter and brown sugar. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and spray the sides with non-stick spray. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the lightly whisked eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed carefully to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Orange Layer: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth. Incorporate the sour cream, freshly squeezed orange juice, and egg, mixing thoroughly. Add a few drops of orange food coloring if desired to enhance the color.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained and spread it evenly over the baked crust. Pour half of the plain cheesecake mixture over the pineapple layer. Drop spoonfuls of the orange cheesecake mixture onto the plain layer and create swirls by gently dragging a knife or skewer through the mixtures. Pour the remaining plain cheesecake mixture on top and repeat with the remaining orange mixture to form more swirls. Lightly tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and slightly crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for 1 to 2 hours.
- Add Sour Cream Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, sugar, pineapple extract, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this topping evenly over the cooled cheesecake surface.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to develop flavors and firm up. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, fresh orange slices, pineapple wedges, and sprigs of mint for a beautiful presentation. Slice and enjoy your tropical Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Well-drain the crushed pineapple to avoid excess moisture which can affect the cheesecake texture.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a moderate temperature.
- Slow cooling in the oven helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking on the surface.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pineapple cheesecake, orange swirl cheesecake, tropical cheesecake, creamy cheesecake dessert, fruit swirl cheesecake
