Description
This No-Bake Orange Pineapple Swirl Cheesecake is a refreshing and creamy dessert perfect for warm days or special occasions. Combining the tangy flavors of orange and pineapple with a rich cream cheese base, set atop a buttery graham cracker crust, this cheesecake requires no baking and is chilled until perfectly firm. The tropical fruits add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor, while the whipped cream and fresh mint garnish provide a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 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
Fruit and Garnishes
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange slices
- Fresh mint leaves and berries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to set.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, free of lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and the texture remains smooth.
- Add flavorings and mix: To the cream cheese mixture, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix all the ingredients until fully combined, resulting in a silky and flavorful filling.
- Layer the cheesecake filling: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the springform pan.
- Add fruit layer: Evenly distribute half of the pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices on top of the cream cheese layer for a tropical fruit burst within the cheesecake.
- Add remaining cheesecake filling: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the fruit layer, smoothing the surface gently.
- Create orange swirl: Use additional orange juice or orange jelly to create a decorative swirl pattern on the top surface of the cheesecake. This adds both a visual appeal and an extra pop of citrus flavor. Opt for orange juice for a lighter flavor or orange jelly for a sweeter and more intense swirl.
- Chill until set: Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until it is firm and set. This chilling step allows the layers to meld beautifully without baking.
- Add final garnishes and serve: Just before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, the remaining pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and assorted berries for a fresh, colorful presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- The eggs are included in the filling even though this is a no-bake cheesecake; ensure they are fresh as the cheesecake is not baked.
- For a firmer swirl pattern, orange jelly can be used instead of orange juice.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake at least 4 hours but overnight chilling will improve flavor and texture.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal and to maintain the cheesecake shape.
- This cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for best freshness.
