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No-Bake Cotton Candy Cheesecake

No-Bake Cotton Candy Cheesecake
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The No-Bake Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a whimsical and effortless dessert combining the airy flavors of cotton candy with a rich, silky cheesecake texture. This colorful no-bake treat offers a creamy, dreamy mouthfeel and is perfect for celebrations, parties, or any occasion where you want a quick, visually stunning, and crowd-pleasing sweet delight.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whipping cream, cold
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring or extract
  • Gel food coloring (pastel shades, as desired)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Candy sprinkles
  • Swirls of whipped cream
  • Fresh cotton candy

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix with the melted butter until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the base of your cake pan or individual cups. Chill in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
  2. Whip the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy texture.
  3. Add Cotton Candy Flavor and Color: Stir in the cotton candy extract or flavoring. Add gel food coloring drop by drop until you achieve the desired pastel cotton candy hues.
  4. Assemble and Chill: Pour or spoon the fluffy filling over the prepared crust smoothly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set and develop the perfect creamy texture.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate with candy sprinkles, a swirl of whipped cream, or fresh cotton candy for a visually stunning and flavorful presentation.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Use cold whipping cream to ensure faster whipping and better shape retention.
  • Prefer gel food coloring over liquid to maintain batter consistency and achieve vivid colors.
  • Chill the cheesecake for longer to get a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
  • Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to keep the airy texture intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: No-Bake Cheesecake, Cotton Candy Cheesecake, Easy Dessert, Creamy Cheesecake, Pastel Dessert, Party Dessert, Kid-Friendly Dessert, Gluten-Free Cheesecake

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/no-bake-cotton-candy-cheesecake/