Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Refreshing Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Southern
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This luscious cheesecake combines the tangy brightness of orange and pineapple with the creamy decadence of Southern-style cheesecake. A buttery graham cracker crust serves as the perfect base for this refreshing and colorful dessert, with a stunning swirl of orange and pineapple flavors that are sure to impress.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pineapple-Orange Swirl

  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
    • In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
    • Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
    • Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
  3. Prepare the Pineapple-Orange Swirl:
    • In a small saucepan, combine crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, orange juice, cornstarch, sugar, and orange zest.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
    • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
    • Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
    • Spoon dollops of the pineapple-orange mixture over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the filling.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan (water bath).
    • Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly.
    • Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  6. Chill:
    • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
    • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Notes

  • For a deeper orange flavor, consider adding 1–2 drops of orange food coloring to the swirl mixture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Serve with whipped cream or a slice of fresh orange for a decorative touch.