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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.