Name: Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup melted butter; 2 tbsp sugar; 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp cornstarch; ½ cup crushed pineapple (well-drained); ¼ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Description

A bright, creamy, tropical cheesecake with a silky pineapple–orange swirl. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Pineapple–Orange Swirl

½ cup crushed pineapple (well-drained)
¼ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup orange juice
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly coated.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake 8 minutes, then cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Swirl

Add pineapple, pineapple juice, orange juice, and sugar to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Remove from heat and cool completely.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar, mixing until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time — do not overmix.
Add sour cream, vanilla, and cornstarch; mix until just combined.

4. Assemble

Pour cheesecake batter over cooled crust.
Spoon small dollops of the pineapple-orange mixture on top.
Swirl gently with a butter knife to create a marble effect.

5. Bake

Lower oven to 300°F (150°C).
Bake 55–70 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.

6. Serve

Run knife around edges before removing ring.
Slice and serve cold — optional extra swirl topping on each slice.

Notes

Overmixing the batter introduces air and can cause cracking.
A water bath isn’t required, but placing a pan of hot water on the rack below helps prevent cracks.
Cool slowly (in oven first, then fridge) for the creamiest result.
Make sure pineapple is well-drained so the swirl stays thick.