Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake 🍍🍊

Ingredients:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Whipped cream for garnishing
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for crust)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• Orange food coloring (optional for visual effect)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Fresh pineapple and orange slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 325F (163C).
• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are well-coated.
• Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you whip up the cheesecake filling.

1. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well combined before adding the next.
• Gently fold in the sour cream and flour until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

1. Divide and Flavor:

• Separate the cheesecake mixture into two bowls. To one bowl, stir in the pineapple juice. To the second bowl, mix in the orange juice along with a few drops of orange food coloring for a vibrant touch. Blend each bowl until the mixtures are silky smooth.

1. Create the Swirl:

• Start with the pineapple cream cheese mixture and pour it into the cooled crust. Follow this by spooning the orange mixture on top.
• With a knife, gently swirl the two mixtures together to achieve a beautiful marbled effect.

1. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Place the prepared cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
• Once baked, turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar, for about an hour. This will help avoid cracking as it cools. After that, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal taste.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• When you’re ready to serve, top the cheesecake with a generous amount of whipped cream. Decorate with fresh pineapple and orange slices, and garnish with mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
• Slice and enjoy your tropical slice of heaven with family and friends!

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Chilling time: 4 hours