Description
This No-Bake Orange Pineapple Swirl Cheesecake features a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling infused with fresh orange juice and zest, layered with juicy pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices. Set on a buttery graham cracker crust, this vibrant dessert is finished with a delicate orange swirl and topped with whipped cream, fresh mint, and berries, making it a refreshing and visually stunning treat perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes and set.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next to maintain texture.
- Add flavorings to filling: Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until everything is evenly combined and the filling is smooth and flavorful.
- Assemble first layer: Pour half of the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, smoothing it evenly.
- Add fruit layer: Distribute half of the pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with remaining filling: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the fruit layer, smoothing the top carefully.
- Create the orange swirl: Drizzle additional orange juice or orange jelly over the top of the cake. Use a skewer or knife to swirl it gently through the filling to create an attractive marbled effect. The orange juice gives a light, fresh burst of flavor, while orange jelly offers a sweeter, more pronounced swirl.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top. Garnish with the remaining pineapple chunks, mandarin orange slices, fresh mint leaves, and berries for a colorful and refreshing finish.
Notes
- You can substitute orange jelly for orange juice in the swirl for a sweeter, thicker swirl effect.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For a firmer crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly and chill thoroughly before layering the filling.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor development.
- Use fresh fruits for garnish to enhance the visual appeal and freshness.
