Description
A creamy, dreamy fusion of tropical citrus and Southern charm. This Southern Orange Pineapple Cheesecake features a graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling swirled with tangy orange and pineapple, and can be made baked or no-bake. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, holiday tables, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert that tastes like sunshine.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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⅓ cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 orange
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¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
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½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
For the Swirl:
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¼ cup orange marmalade
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2 tbsp pineapple juice
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1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
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Whipped cream
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Orange zest curls
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Fresh pineapple wedges
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Mint leaves
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. -
Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and melted butter in a bowl. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool. -
Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat again. One at a time, add eggs, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest. Fold in the drained pineapple. -
Create the Swirl:
In a small saucepan, combine orange marmalade and pineapple juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add cornstarch if needed to thicken. -
Assemble Cheesecake:
Pour filling into crust. Spoon swirl mixture on top and use a skewer or knife to gently swirl. -
Bake:
Place pan in a water bath and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. -
Cool & Chill:
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. -
Serve & Garnish:
Top with whipped cream, citrus zest, and pineapple slices if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
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No-Bake Version: Omit eggs and use 1 cup whipped topping + 2 tbsp gelatin dissolved in warm juice to stabilize the filling.
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For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers.
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Swirl can be replaced with canned mandarin segments for a twist.
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This recipe can be made a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern, American, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg