Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Animal Circus Cheesecake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 65 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This vibrant Animal Circus Cheesecake combines a funfetti cake base with a creamy, swirled pink and white cheesecake topping, all studded with crushed animal circus cookies and finished with colorful confetti sprinkles. Perfect for festive occasions or anytime you want a playful, eye-catching dessert that delights with both texture and flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

  • 1 box Funfetti cake mix
  • 1 cup crushed animal circus cookies

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup low fat sour cream

Pink Cheesecake Coloring

  • Pink food coloring, to desired shade

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

  • Confetti sprinkles
  • Animal circus cookies


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake layer.
  2. Prepare the pan: Spray a springform pan generously with PAM or non-stick spray and set it aside to be ready for the batter.
  3. Make the cake batter: Follow the instructions on the back of the Funfetti cake mix box to prepare the batter correctly.
  4. Incorporate crushed cookies: Gently fold in 1 cup of crushed animal circus cookies into the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.
  5. Bake the cake layer: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature.
  7. Mix cream cheese and sugar: Using a standing mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and combined.
  8. Scrape and continue mixing: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to ensure even consistency.
  9. Add eggs one at a time: Incorporate the eggs into the cream cheese mixture one by one, beating well after each addition.
  10. Add vanilla and sour cream: Mix in the vanilla extract and low fat sour cream until fully incorporated.
  11. Divide cheesecake batter: Split the cheesecake mixture evenly into two bowls for coloring.
  12. Color one bowl pink: Add pink food coloring to one bowl and stir until the desired shade is achieved.
  13. Layer the cheesecake: Using a 1 cup scoop, add some of the white cheesecake batter to the center of the cooled cake base in the springform pan.
  14. Add pink cheesecake layer: Scoop the pink cheesecake batter into the center of the white cheesecake layer, creating a swirl effect.
  15. Repeat layering: Continue alternating scoops of white and pink cheesecake batters, layering in the center until all cheesecake batter is used.
  16. Bake the cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  17. Cool on wire rack: Remove cheesecake from oven and place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
  18. Refrigerate overnight: Chill the cheesecake in the fridge overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
  19. Decorate and serve: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top, decorate with confetti sprinkles and whole animal circus cookies for a festive finish.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should still have a slight jiggle in the center when finished baking to ensure creaminess.
  • Using a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easier without damaging the edges.
  • For best results, allow the cheesecake to chill overnight before serving to achieve a firm texture.
  • You can substitute animal circus cookies with any fun animal-shaped cookies or even graham cracker crumbs if desired.