Description
Sweet dreams come alive with cotton candy cheesecake, a whimsical dessert blending creamy indulgence and carnival nostalgia. Pastel swirls and cloud-like texture invite you to savor a playful slice of pure delightful magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 (8 ounces each) cream cheese blocks, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cotton candy, torn into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Additional cotton candy for garnish
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Firmly press the crumbly base into the bottom of a springform pan. Slide into a preheated 325F (163C) oven and bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Transform cream cheese into a velvety consistency using an electric mixer. Gradually incorporate sugar until fully integrated. Fold in sour cream and flour, ensuring a silky smooth texture. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each incorporation. Delicately fold vanilla extract and cotton candy pieces into the luxurious batter.
- Elegantly pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Transfer to the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a set center with a subtle jiggle. Once baking completes, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest with the door slightly open for one hour, facilitating a gradual cooling process.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor development. Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Adorn the chilled cheesecake with billowy whipped cream and additional cotton candy fragments for a whimsical finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize the graham cracker crust by using alternative cookies like vanilla wafers or Oreos for a unique twist on the traditional base.
- Prevent cracks by using a water bath method during baking, which helps create a smooth, even texture and prevents the cheesecake from drying out.
- Soften cotton candy pieces just before adding to the filling to maintain their delicate texture and prevent them from melting completely during mixing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 195 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg