Description
This Red White and Blue Cheesecake is a patriotic dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, vibrant blue-tinted cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping. Perfect for celebrations, it combines creamy texture and festive colors for a deliciously eye-catching treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 – 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 2-3 drops sky blue gel food coloring
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla bean extract
Topping
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, mix the crushed graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and cornstarch until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla bean extract and then carefully fold in 2-3 drops of sky blue gel food coloring until the filling is evenly tinted a light blue color.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the blue cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly cracked for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the topping: Just before serving, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake surface. Finally, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the whipped cream layer to create a vibrant red topping contrasting with the blue cheesecake.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake to avoid cracking; gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
- The cherry pie filling adds a sweet, fruity layer that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- For a stronger blue hue, add an additional drop of gel food coloring as desired.
