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Patriotic Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

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The Patriotic Swirl Cheesecake is a visually stunning and delicious dessert that’s perfect for 4th of July celebrations. This creamy New York-style cheesecake features vibrant red, white, and blue swirls, creating a festive treat with a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth, flavorful filling.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup melted unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

4 (8 oz) packages full-fat cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream, room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

4 large eggs, room temperature

Red gel food coloring

Blue gel food coloring

3 tablespoons of the main cheesecake batter

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside tightly with foil to prevent water from leaking in during the water bath.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  3. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Add Sugar and Mix: Add the granulated sugar and beat until smooth.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined.
  7. Color a Portion of the Batter: Scoop out about 1 cup of the batter and divide it evenly into two small bowls. Tint one with red gel food coloring and the other with blue gel food coloring. Mix until vibrant.
  8. Assemble the Layers: Pour the white batter into the cooled crust. Drop alternating spoonfuls of red and blue batter in a spiral pattern over the surface.
  9. Create Surface Swirls: Use a clean toothpick or skewer to drag lines from the center outward, creating a starburst swirl pattern. Clean the toothpick between swirls.
  10. Swirl into the Filling: Gently insert the toothpick into the batter and push down slightly in several spots. Lightly swirl with a knife or skewer to create streaks without overmixing.
  11. Bake in a Water Bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform. Bake for 55–70 minutes or until the center is mostly set but still slightly wobbly.
  12. Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and leave the door open. Let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour. Remove it from the water bath, unwrap the foil, and refrigerate for 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.

Notes

Ensure the cheesecake is completely chilled before slicing for clean cuts.

The swirl design can be customized for any occasion with different colors.

Use a water bath to avoid cracks and maintain an even baking temperature.

Nutrition