Magical Galaxy Cheesecake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheesecake filling
01 -
3 packages (675g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 -
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
03 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
04 -
1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
05 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 -
1 pinch of salt
07 -
Gel food coloring (black, purple, blue, and teal)
08 -
Assorted sprinkles for decoration (stars, pearls, or shimmer dust)
→ Cookie crust
09 -
15 graham crackers or digestive biscuits (about 1½ cups when crushed)
10 -
6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, melted
11 -
1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
12 -
1 pinch of salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch (20cm) springform pan with butter or cooking spray. Wrap the outside bottom and sides of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaking if using a water bath (optional but recommended for crack prevention).
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition but not overbeating. Gently fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined. Divide the mixture evenly into four bowls. Color one portion with black food coloring, one with purple, one with blue, and one with teal, adjusting the intensity to your preference.
03 -
Place the graham crackers or digestive biscuits in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. If you don't have a food processor, place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer.
04 -
Dollop spoonfuls of the different colored cheesecake batters randomly over the crust, alternating colors to create a random pattern. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the colors together with just a few strokes to create a marbled galaxy effect (don't overmix or the colors will blend too much). Sprinkle the top with edible glitter, star-shaped sprinkles, or pearl sugar to represent stars in your galaxy.
05 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking. After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight before removing from the pan and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even more spectacular galaxy effect, consider adding additional colors like pink or a touch of white to represent nebulae or distant stars. You can also brush the top with edible silver or gold luster dust after chilling for an extra celestial shimmer.