Description
Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a fun, vibrant dessert that combines the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with the whimsical sweetness of cotton candy! This colorful treat is perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or any occasion where you want to bring a little extra sweetness and joy to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- For the Topping:
- Cotton candy (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- For the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- For the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and cotton candy flavoring.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with cotton candy and optional whipped cream for a fun and whimsical garnish.
Notes
- For a more vibrant color, you can add food coloring to the cheesecake filling, especially if you’re using cotton candy flavoring that doesn’t impart much color.
- If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, you can use a cotton candy extract or flavoring designed for baking. Some candy stores may also have cotton candy syrup or flavoring.
- This cheesecake is rich and sweet, so it’s perfect for a special occasion or to serve in small slices.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cotton candy topping will dissolve and shrink over time, so it’s best added right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg