Galaxy Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Galaxy cheesecake is a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to serve. Its dreamy, marbled surface makes it look like it came straight from a sci-fi movie, but it’s surprisingly easy to create with simple techniques and food coloring. It has all the creamy texture and vanilla-rich flavor of a classic cheesecake with an artistic twist that’s sure to impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Chocolate cookie crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Food coloring: black, blue, purple, pink (gel preferred for vibrant colors)

For the optional topping:

• Edible glitter or silver sprinkles
• Whipped cream or frosting stars for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil if using a water bath.
2. Make the crust: Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool while preparing the filling.
3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix gently until smooth.
4. Divide and color: Separate the batter into 4 bowls. Tint each portion with a different galaxy color (blue, purple, pink, black). Stir gently to blend evenly.
5. Create the galaxy effect: Spoon alternating colors into the crust, layering and swirling gently with a skewer or butter knife to create a marbled effect.
6. Bake: Place the pan in a water bath or on a center rack. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
7. Chill: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Decorate: Before serving, add edible glitter or stars and pipe whipped cream galaxies or dollops around the edge, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people. Prep time is approximately 25 minutes, bake time is 55–65 minutes, and chill time is at least 4 hours or overnight.

Variations

• Galaxy Oreo Cheesecake: Add crushed Oreos into the crust and fold chunks into the filling.
• No-Bake Version: Use a gelatin-stabilized no-bake cheesecake base for a chilled, oven-free option.
• Mini Galaxy Cheesecakes: Make in cupcake tins with liners for individual servings.
• Chocolate Galaxy: Add melted dark chocolate to the base batter for a chocolate cheesecake.
• Color Shifting: Use natural color powders like butterfly pea or activated charcoal for subtle tones.

Storage/Reheating

Store galaxy cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the whole cheesecake or individual slices (without whipped topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Do I need special food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it gives vibrant color without thinning the batter.

Can I make it without a water bath?

Yes, but a water bath helps reduce cracking. If skipping, place a pan of water on the lower oven rack.

How do I prevent cracks?

Use room temperature ingredients, don’t overmix, and cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, though the colors may be more muted. Try beet, spirulina, or activated charcoal for subtle tones.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is best when chilled overnight and can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Can I freeze galaxy cheesecake?

Yes, wrap slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to swirl the colors?

Drop spoonfuls randomly and gently swirl with a skewer in an “S” or figure-8 motion—don’t overmix.

Can I flavor the filling?

Yes, add a bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a touch of cocoa for subtle variations.

Do I need to add a topping?

Not at all. It’s beautiful on its own, but whipped cream, edible glitter, or sprinkles enhance the galaxy look.

Can I use a premade crust?

Yes, but make sure it’s in a springform-compatible pan and large enough for a full cheesecake.

Conclusion

Galaxy cheesecake is a whimsical, eye-catching dessert that’s just as delicious as it is dazzling. With its creamy texture, dreamy swirls of cosmic color, and rich chocolate crust, it’s the perfect centerpiece for parties, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a galactic treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Galaxy Cheesecake

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Galaxy cheesecake is a visually stunning dessert with creamy vanilla cheesecake swirled in vibrant cosmic colors like purple, blue, and black, all atop a rich chocolate cookie crust. It’s a showstopping treat perfect for birthdays, parties, or themed events.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours
• Yield: 10–12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. For the crust:
2. 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
4. 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
5. For the filling:
6. 24 oz cream cheese, softened
7. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
8. 3 large eggs
9. 1 cup sour cream
10. 2 tsp vanilla extract
11. Gel food coloring: blue, purple, pink, black
12. Optional topping:
13. Edible glitter or silver sprinkles
14. Whipped cream or frosting stars (for decoration)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in foil if using a water bath.

1. Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
4. Divide batter into four bowls. Tint each with blue, purple, pink, and black gel food coloring.
5. Spoon the colored batters alternately into the crust, layering randomly. Swirl gently with a skewer or knife to create a marbled galaxy effect.
6. Place the pan in a water bath or on the center rack. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
7. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Decorate with edible glitter, sprinkles, or piped whipped cream before serving, if desired.

Notes

1. Use gel food coloring for vivid colors without thinning the batter.
2. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven to reduce cracking.
3. For best swirls, avoid overmixing after adding colored batter to the pan.
4. Chill overnight for ideal texture and clean slicing.
5. Skip the water bath if needed, but bake a pan of water beneath to reduce cracking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 115mg