Cotton Candy Cheesecake
Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a whimsical and colorful dessert that combines the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy with the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake. Perfect for celebrations or a playful sweet treat, this cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy, pastel-hued filling infused with cotton candy flavor. Easy to customize and visually stunning, it promises a magical and unforgettable flavor experience.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free with substitutions
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1–2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring or 1/2 cup small cotton candy pieces
- Food coloring (optional) – pastel pinks, blues, or purples
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until sandy and wet. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to allow the crust to set properly.
- Make the cream cheese filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a silky texture. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring or gently fold in small cotton candy pieces for bursts of sweetness.
- Add color and lightness: Carefully fold in whipped cream to lighten the batter and create an airy texture. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve pastel cotton candy-inspired hues.
- Bake and chill: Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the chilled cheesecake with cotton candy fluff, colorful sprinkles, or edible glitter to enhance its whimsical appearance before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter free of lumps.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid cracking during baking.
- Baking in a water bath helps maintain even heat and prevents drying or cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to achieve a creamy and firm texture.
- Add cotton candy flavor or pieces last to retain the delicate airy sweetness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cotton Candy Cheesecake, colorful cheesecake, whimsical dessert, creamy cheesecake, cotton candy flavor, party dessert, pastel cheesecake