Cotton Candy Cheesecake – Sweet, Colorful & Dreamy!

Posted on March 15, 2025 · By Elisa

an advertisement for cotton candy cheesecake on a blue plate

This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a fun, colorful, and creamy dessert that brings the nostalgic flavors of cotton candy into a rich and decadent cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cotton candy-flavored filling, and swirls of pastel colors, this no-bake cheesecake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want a magical treat!

The best part? No baking required—just mix, chill, and enjoy!


Ingredients for Cotton Candy Cheesecake

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2-3 drops pink food coloring
  • 2-3 drops blue food coloring

the Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream
  • Cotton candy pieces
  • Sprinkles

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
  2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making an even layer.
  3. Refrigerate for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

2. Make the Cotton Candy Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until well combined.

3. Add the Swirls of Color

  1. Divide the cheesecake filling into two bowls.
  2. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, mixing until combined.
  3. Spoon dollops of each color onto the crust, alternating between pink and blue.
  4. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.

4. Chill & Set the Cheesecake

  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
  2. Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

5. Decorate & Serve!

  1. Pipe whipped cream around the edges.
  2. Top with cotton candy pieces and sprinkles just before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cheesecake

Use full-fat cream cheese – Ensures a rich and creamy texture.
Chill overnight – The longer it sets, the better the texture.
Add cotton candy just before serving – It melts quickly when exposed to moisture.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not chilling long enough – The cheesecake won’t hold its shape.
Overmixing the whipped cream – Can make the filling too dense.
Adding too much food coloring – A little goes a long way for pastel colors.


Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve with cotton candy-flavored ice cream.
  • Pair with a unicorn milkshake or cotton candy soda.
  • Add edible glitter for an extra magical touch.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip:

  • Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance and decorate just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free graham crackers.
  • Try different colors – Purple, yellow, or green for a rainbow effect.
  • Use a chocolate crust – Swap graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs.

What to Serve with Cotton Candy Cheesecake

  • A warm cup of vanilla latte or milkshake
  • Fresh berries to balance the sweetness
  • Sugar cookies for an extra fun dessert spread

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?

Yes! Use 2 cups of Cool Whip as a substitute.

Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?

Look in the baking aisle, specialty stores, or online.

Can I make this in a regular pie pan?

Yes! A deep-dish pie pan works well, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove.


Conclusion

This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is sweet, fun, and a show-stopping dessert that will delight kids and adults alike! With its creamy texture, dreamy pastel swirls, and nostalgic cotton candy flavor, it’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a little magic in your life.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun and delicious dessert recipes!


Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 380 kcal per slice (based on 12 servings).

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Serves: 12
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

Cotton Candy Cheesecake – Sweet, Colorful & Dreamy!


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 6H15
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is creamy, colorful, and packed with cotton candy flavor! A no-bake dessert perfect for birthdays and celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 23 drops pink food coloring
  • 23 drops blue food coloring

For the Topping (Optional):

 

  • Whipped cream
  • Cotton candy pieces
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
  2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making an even layer.
  3. Refrigerate for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

2. Make the Cotton Candy Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until well combined.

3. Add the Swirls of Color

  1. Divide the cheesecake filling into two bowls.
  2. Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, mixing until combined.
  3. Spoon dollops of each color onto the crust, alternating between pink and blue.
  4. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.

4. Chill & Set the Cheesecake

  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
  2. Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

5. Decorate & Serve!

  1. Pipe whipped cream around the edges.
  2. Top with cotton candy pieces and sprinkles just before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese – Ensures a rich and creamy texture.
Chill overnight – The longer it sets, the better the texture.
Add cotton candy just before serving – It melts quickly when exposed to moisture.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 6H
  • Category: DESSERT
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 380

Tags:

You might also like these recipes