Description
No-Bake Orange Pineapple Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup mandarin orange slices
Fresh mint leaves and berries for garnish
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until fully combined.
Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
Evenly distribute half of the pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices over the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture on top.
Create a swirl pattern with additional orange juice if desired. For a fresh, subtle flavor, use orange juice. For a sweeter, more intense flavor and thicker swirl, use orange jelly.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Top with whipped cream, pineapple chunks, mandarin orange slices, fresh mint leaves, and berries for garnish before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: None | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including refrigeration)
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect no-bake cheesecake. First, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for at least an hour to avoid lumps. When pressing the crumb crust, use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to create a firm, even layer. For the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed for a full 3-4 minutes until completely smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream last to maintain a light, airy texture. When adding the fruit for the swirl, spoon small dollops of the pineapple and mandarin pieces before using a knife to gently marble them through the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant cheesecake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato. For a festive brunch, serve alongside a fruit salad. To plate, garnish each slice with a fresh mint sprig and a few extra berries. For individual portions, set the cheesecake in a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners before refrigerating.
How-to Summary
In summary: 1) Mix crust ingredients and press into pan. Chill. 2) Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. 3) Blend in eggs, sour cream, vanilla, orange juice, and zest. 4) Fold in whipped cream. 5) Layer half the filling, add fruit, then remaining filling. 6) Create a swirl pattern. 7) Refrigerate for 4+ hours until firm. 8) Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned fruit instead of fresh? Yes, well-drained canned pineapple and mandarin oranges work perfectly and are often more convenient.
How long will this cheesecake keep in the fridge? It will stay fresh for up to 4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free? You can substitute with vegan cream cheese, coconut-based sour cream, and a plant-based whipped topping.
My filling is too runny. What went wrong? This usually means the cream cheese wasn’t soft enough to blend smoothly, or the mixture wasn’t chilled long enough. Ensure a full 4-hour minimum set time.
Is there a substitute for graham cracker crumbs? Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gluten-free crackers crushed into fine crumbs are excellent alternatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold cream cheese, as it will create a lumpy batter. Do not overmix after adding the whipped cream, as this will deflate the air and result in a dense texture. Ensure your springform pan is properly sealed to prevent leakage. Do not skip the chilling time; the cheesecake must set fully for clean slices. Finally, pat your pineapple and mandarin pieces very dry to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Orange Pineapple Swirl Cheesecake is a stunning, refreshing dessert that requires no oven time. Its creamy texture and tropical citrus flavors are sure to impress at any gathering. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a professional-quality treat with ease. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!