Circus Animal Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

ByElena Hart
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Introduction

This Circus Animal Cheesecake is a vibrant and playful dessert that combines the fun of Funfetti cake mix and colorful animal cookies with creamy cheesecake layers. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you want a slice of whimsy and sweetness in one bite.

A slice of three-layer cake sits on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface; the bottom and middle layers are light vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles baked inside, separated by a thin layer of pink frosting, while the top layer is smooth white frosting. Along the edges of the slice, dollops of white whipped cream are piped with rainbow sprinkles scattered on top, and a pink bunny-shaped cookie with sprinkles sticks upright in the cream on the top edge of the slice. Another pink bunny cookie and whipped cream with sprinkles rest beside the slice on the plate, and in the background, part of the remaining cake on a white plate is visible with similar decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 box Funfetti cake mix
  • Water (as required by cake mix instructions)
  • 3 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup low fat sour cream
  • 1 cup crushed animal circus cookies
  • Pink food coloring
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipping cream)
  • Confetti sprinkles
  • Piping bag with star tip

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a springform pan with cooking spray. Set it aside.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Funfetti cake batter according to the instructions on the box, then gently stir in the crushed animal circus cookies.
  3. Step 3: Pour the cake batter into the springform pan and bake for about 35 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  4. Step 4: Using a standing mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and combined. Scrape the bowl sides and mix again.
  5. Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and mix until you reach your desired shade.
  7. Step 7: In the springform pan with the cooled cake base, layer the cheesecake batters by alternately scooping 1 cup of white batter, then 1 cup of pink batter into the center. Repeat until all batter is used.
  8. Step 8: Bake the layered cheesecake for 1 hour, or until the center is set.
  9. Step 9: Remove cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Then refrigerate overnight to let it fully set and chill.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, fold additional crushed animal cookies into the cheesecake batter before layering.
  • Add a few drops of lemon juice to the cheesecake mixture for a subtle tang.
  • Use natural food coloring alternatives like beet juice for the pink layer.
  • Top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream, confetti sprinkles, and whole animal cookies for festive decoration.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a slice of colorful layered cake on a white plate set on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth nearby. The cake has three main layers: a bottom layer of light-colored cake with colorful sprinkles baked inside, a middle pink creamy layer, and a top thick white layer. The edge of the slice is decorated with white cream dollops sprinkled with multicolored tiny round sprinkles, topped with pink sugar decorations. In the background, the whole cake is visible on a white plate, displaying the same layered texture and cream decorations around the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sour cream instead of low fat?

Yes, regular sour cream works well and can add a richer flavor to the cheesecake.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath or baking it slowly and allowing it to cool gradually helps prevent cracking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.

Print

Circus Animal Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This whimsical Circus Animal Cheesecake combines the playful flavors of Funfetti cake and buttery animal cookies with rich, creamy cheesecake layers. Featuring colorful pink and white swirls, and topped with whipped cream and festive confetti sprinkles, it’s a delightful dessert perfect for celebrations and those who love a fun twist on classic cheesecake.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 box Funfetti cake mix
  • Water (as required by cake mix instructions)
  • 1 cup crushed animal circus cookies

Cheesecake Ingredients

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup low fat sour cream
  • Pink food coloring, as needed

Whipped Cream Topping

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

Garnish

  • Confetti sprinkles
  • Animal circus cookies (for decoration)

Other

  • Pam spray or non-stick spray
  • Piping bag with star tip

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a springform pan with Pam or non-stick spray. Prepare the Funfetti cake batter following the instructions on the cake mix box, adding the specified amount of water. Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the crushed animal circus cookies to incorporate their texture and flavor.
  2. Bake Cake Layer: Pour the combined batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake layer to fully cool on a wire rack.
  3. Make Cheesecake Batter: In a standing mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
  4. Color Cheesecake Batter: Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into two separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and mix until the desired shade is achieved, leaving the other bowl white.
  5. Assemble Cheesecake: Using a 1 cup scoop, layer the cheesecake batter into the springform pan over the cooled cake layer. Start with a scoop of white batter, then a scoop of pink batter in the center of the white scoop. Continue alternating scoops in the center to create a layered swirl pattern until all cheesecake batter is used.
  6. Bake Cheesecake: Bake the assembled cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
  7. Chill Cheesecake: Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to fully set and chill.
  8. Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  9. Decorate Cheesecake: Pipe decorative whipped cream around the top edge of the cheesecake. Garnish with confetti sprinkles and whole animal circus cookies for a festive finish.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth batter without lumps.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
  • Using a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake easier without breaking.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Decorate just before serving to maintain freshness of whipped cream and sprinkles.

Keywords: Circus Animal Cheesecake, Funfetti Cheesecake, Animal Cookies, Swirled Cheesecake, Party Dessert

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