Description
A colorful and delicious cheesecake that is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Gel-based food coloring in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for stability)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If using, stir in the cornstarch until blended.
- Color the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into 6 bowls. Use the gel food coloring to create vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple in each bowl. Start with a few drops and mix well until the desired intensity is reached.
- Create the Swirled Effect: Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter onto the cooled crust, alternating colors. Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the colors together on the surface to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill the Cheesecake: After it has cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set completely.
Notes
- Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan for easier removal.
- For more defined swirls, avoid over-swiping with the toothpick.
- Adding cornstarch helps maintain the cheesecake’s structure, especially with the added moisture from food coloring.
- Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps minimize cracks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg