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Circus Animal Cookie Cheesecake 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.

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