Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic and Fun – Brings back childhood memories with classic frosted animal cookies.
Two Delicious Layers – A rich strawberry cheesecake paired with a funfetti layer for extra sweetness.
Beautiful Presentation – Bright colors, sprinkles, and toppings make this cheesecake a showstopper.
Creamy and Crunchy – The smooth cheesecake pairs perfectly with the crunchy cookie crust.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress guests.

Ingredients

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

For the Crust:

2 cups crushed pink frosted animal cookies
¼ cup granulated sugar
5 tbsp melted butter

For the Strawberry Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 tbsp strawberry gelatin (Jell-O powder)
2 eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)

For the Funfetti Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Toppings:

1 cup whipped cream
½ cup white chocolate chips, melted
¼ cup strawberry glaze
Crushed frosted animal cookies
Extra rainbow sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix crushed animal cookies, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add strawberry gelatin, eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Stir in pink food coloring if using.
Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

3. Make the Funfetti Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles to keep them from bleeding.
Pour over the strawberry layer and smooth out the top.

4. Bake & Cool

Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan to create a water bath.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-55 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.
Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Decorate

Top the cheesecake with whipped cream.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and strawberry glaze.
Sprinkle crushed frosted animal cookies and extra rainbow sprinkles for a fun, colorful finish.
Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Chill Time: At least 4 hours

Variations

Chocolate Twist – Add a layer of melted white chocolate between the cheesecake layers.
Oreo Crust – Swap the animal cookie crust for crushed Golden Oreos.
Berry Blast – Fold in fresh diced strawberries for extra fruitiness.
Extra Crunch – Top with crushed graham crackers or more frosted animal cookies for extra texture.
Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for an alternative version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving Tip: For clean slices, run a knife under warm water before cutting.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best to make it a day in advance so it has time to chill and set properly.

2. Do I have to use a water bath?

A water bath helps prevent cracks, but if you skip it, place a pan of water on the oven’s lower rack for moisture.

3. Can I use different cookies for the crust?

Yes! Golden Oreos, graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers can be used instead.

4. Can I make mini cheesecakes instead of one large one?

Absolutely! Use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

5. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, use a water bath, and let it cool gradually in the oven before chilling.

6. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of Jell-O powder?

Yes, but you’ll need to puree and reduce the strawberries to remove excess moisture.

7. What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular 9-inch pan lined with parchment paper, but removing the cheesecake will be trickier.

8. How can I make this cheesecake more vibrant?

Increase the food coloring and add colorful sprinkles or candy decorations on top.

9. Can I substitute whipped cream with another topping?

Yes! Try cream cheese frosting or a white chocolate ganache drizzle instead.

10. What’s the best way to serve this cheesecake?

Serve chilled with extra whipped cream and a side of fresh strawberries for a delicious pairing.

Conclusion

Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake is a dreamy, fun, and flavorful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with playful, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself, this vibrant cheesecake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure happiness!