🌈 Neon Swirl Cotton Candy Cheesecake 🍬
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
Neon food coloring (pink, blue, and purple)
For the Topping:
1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup cotton candy pieces (for garnish)
Optional: extra sprinkles or edible glitter for added sparkle
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafers with the melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and cotton candy flavoring until fully incorporated.
Color the Batter: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into three separate bowls. Tint each bowl with a different neon food coloring—pink, blue, and purple. Stir until the colors are vibrant and uniform.
Create the Swirl Effect: Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly onto the crust. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls of color.
Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Chill and Set: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
Add the Toppings: Before serving, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with cotton candy pieces and, if desired, a sprinkle of edible glitter or extra sprinkles for a magical touch.