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Sweet Carnival Treat

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Transform classic cheesecake into a carnival treat with cotton candy flavoring and a fluffy cotton candy topping. A whimsical dessert perfect for parties and celebrations.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:15 GMT
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A slice of colorful, layered cake topped with cotton candy and sprinkles sits on a plate. Pin it
A slice of colorful, layered cake topped with cotton candy and sprinkles sits on a plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my magical Cotton Candy Cheesecake that brings all the fun of the carnival right to your dessert table! I love how this creamy cheesecake captures that nostalgic cotton candy flavor and looks absolutely stunning topped with fluffy wisps of cotton candy and colorful sprinkles. It's guaranteed to bring smiles to kids and grown-ups alike!

Pure Cotton Candy Magic

What makes this cheesecake so special is how it combines that classic creamy texture we all love with the sweet whimsical taste of cotton candy. Every slice is both beautiful and delicious making it perfect for birthdays parties or anytime you want to add some fun to dessert!

What You'll Need

  • For the Crust: - Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups) - Sugar (1/4 cup) - Melted butter (1/2 cup)
  • For the Filling: - Soft cream cheese (3 packages) - More sugar (1 cup) - Sour cream for tang - Pure vanilla extract - Fresh eggs - Cotton candy flavoring - Real cotton candy for topping - Fun sprinkles

Let's Make Magic

Start with the Crust:
Mix those graham crumbs butter and sugar press in your pan bake until golden.
Create the Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy mix in sour cream vanilla then eggs one by one.
Bake with Love:
Pour over your crust bake until just set cool slowly for perfect texture.
Make it Pretty:
Top with cotton candy and sprinkles just before serving.

My Best Tips

  • Let it chill overnight for the best flavor
  • Add cotton candy right before serving
  • Try swirling different colors for extra fun

Make It Your Own

  • Add a touch of lemon for balance
  • Make fresh cotton candy if you can
  • Try different fun flavors like bubblegum
A slice of pink and white cream cake topped with fluffy cotton candy sits on a plate. Pin it
A slice of pink and white cream cake topped with fluffy cotton candy sits on a plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Pure Dessert Joy

This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is more than just dessert - it's a celebration in every slice! The combination of creamy cheesecake whimsical cotton candy and that beautiful presentation makes any occasion feel extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When should I add the cotton candy topping?

Add cotton candy just before serving to prevent melting.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, make cheesecake up to 2 days ahead, add topping right before serving.

→ Is cotton candy flavoring necessary?

Optional but adds authentic cotton candy taste. Vanilla works too.

→ Why cool in the oven?

Gradual cooling prevents cracking and ensures proper texture.

→ How do I prevent cheesecake from cracking?

Don't overmix batter, use water bath, and cool gradually in oven.

Cotton Candy Cheesecake

A playful twist on classic cheesecake featuring cotton candy flavors and topped with fluffy cotton candy. Brings carnival fun to your dessert table.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs.
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
04 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened.
05 1 cup granulated sugar.
06 1 cup sour cream.
07 1 tsp vanilla extract.
08 4 large eggs.
09 Cotton candy flavoring (optional).
10 Cotton candy.
11 Sprinkles (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 9-inch springform pan.

Step 02

Mix crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter. Press into pan.

Step 03

Bake crust 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 04

Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth.

Step 05

Mix in sour cream and vanilla.

Step 06

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

Step 07

Optional: Add cotton candy flavoring.

Step 08

Pour over crust.

Step 09

Bake 50-60 minutes until edges set, center jiggly.

Step 10

Cool in open oven 1 hour.

Step 11

Cool at room temp, then chill 4+ hours.

Step 12

Top with cotton candy before serving.

Notes

  1. Add cotton candy right before serving.
  2. Can make base 2 days ahead.
  3. Cool gradually to prevent cracks.
  4. Water bath optional but helps prevent cracks.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 6 g