Circus Animal Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Circus Animal Cheesecake is a fun and festive dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a colorful treat. With a crunchy cookie crust and creamy pink cheesecake filling, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• 9-ounce bag circus animal cookies
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Circus animal cookies (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the circus animal cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until finely ground.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the mixture starts to stick together.
3. Step 3: Grease an 8-inch springform pan and press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom. Freeze the crust for at least 30 minutes to set.
4. Step 4: While the crust chills, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring together until smooth and fully combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top, then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
6. Step 6: Before serving, decorate the top with rainbow sprinkles and press one circus animal cookie into each cheesecake slice for a playful touch.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crunchy crust, bake the pressed cookie crust at 350°F for 8–10 minutes before chilling.
• Use different food coloring to create a variety of cheesecake colors to match any party theme.
• Swap out rainbow sprinkles for chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips if you prefer less sweetness on top.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging the crust.

How do I soften cream cheese quickly?

To soften cream cheese faster, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave on low power in 10-second bursts.

Circus Animal Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 525 reviews

This Circus Animal Cheesecake features a colorful, fun twist on classic cheesecake by incorporating a crispy circus animal cookie crust and vibrant pink cheesecake filling. Topped with rainbow sprinkles and additional circus animal cookies, this dessert is perfect for celebrations and those who love playful, sweet treats.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust

• 9-ounce bag circus animal cookies
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (to desired shade)

Topping

• Rainbow sprinkles
• Circus animal cookies (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Crush Cookies: Pour the circus animal cookies into a large zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin, or use a food processor to finely crush the cookies for the crust.
2. Mix Crust: In a large bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir well until the mixture starts sticking together like wet sand.
3. Form Crust: Grease an 8-inch springform pan, then press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill and set.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the crust chills, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully combined with a creamy consistency.
5. Assemble Cheesecake: Spread the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set and develop flavor.
6. Add Toppings and Serve: Just before serving, decorate the cheesecake with rainbow sprinkles. Press one circus animal cookie gently into each slice for a festive garnish that complements the crust.

Notes

• For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
• You can adjust the amount of pink food coloring depending on your preferred shade.
• The cheesecake must chill for at least 4 hours to set properly, but overnight refrigeration yields the best texture and flavor.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between cuts for cleaner slice edges when serving.
• This recipe can be doubled to make a larger cheesecake using a 9 or 10-inch pan, adjusting chilling times accordingly.

Keywords: circus animal cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, colorful cheesecake, fun dessert, cookie crust cheesecake