Rainbow Candy Swirl Cheesecake

This Rainbow Candy Swirl Cheesecake is a vibrant and fun dessert, perfect for any occasion that calls for a splash of color. With its creamy, rich filling and eye-catching candy swirl, it’s a showstopper that’s sure to wow your guests!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz each) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• ½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
• Gel food coloring in red, yellow, blue, green, and purple (or your favorite colors)

For the Candy Swirl:

• ½ cup (120g) rainbow-colored candy (such as Skittles, M&Ms, or colorful sprinkles)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for the candy drizzle)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until fully combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice, and beat until combined.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
4. Add heavy cream and beat until smooth.
5. Divide the cheesecake batter into separate bowls (about 5 portions) and add a few drops of each gel food coloring to each bowl to create different colored batters. Mix each colored batter gently until the colors are vibrant.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour spoonfuls of each colored batter into the center of the springform pan, one on top of the other, creating a layered effect.
2. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the colors together, creating a fun and colorful marble effect.
3. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
3. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Decorate with Candy Swirl

1. To make the candy drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt the rainbow candies with the heavy cream over low heat until smooth and pourable.
2. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
3. Drizzle the melted candy over the top of the cheesecake, letting it drip down the sides.
4. Optionally, sprinkle more rainbow candy, edible glitter, or sprinkles on top for extra color and fun!

Tips for Success:

• Vibrant Colors: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring to achieve bright and bold colors that won’t dilute the batter.
• Smooth Swirls: Be gentle when swirling the batter so you don’t muddy the colors.
• Candy Drizzle Alternatives: If you want a smoother finish, melt white chocolate or candy melts instead of using colorful candy for the drizzle.
• Serving Tip: Slice carefully as the colorful layers are delicate, and you want to showcase the rainbow effect!

This Rainbow Candy Swirl Cheesecake is a showstopper that combines creamy texture, vibrant colors, and a fun candy twist, making it a perfect dessert for celebrations!  Would you like ideas for personalizing it further, or suggestions for mini versions?