Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

Looking for a refreshing, tropical dessert that’s as creamy as it is vibrant? This Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect combination of rich cheesecake, tangy pineapple, and zesty orange, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite!

Imagine a smooth, velvety cheesecake base with a swirl of sweet pineapple and fresh orange puree, all sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The tropical flavors blend together for a refreshing, creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

This cheesecake is the ultimate showstopper—deliciously creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ready to indulge in this tropical delight? Let’s make this Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake and treat yourself to a slice of heaven today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical and Tangy: Pineapple and orange juice swirl together to add fresh, fruity contrast to rich cream cheese.
• Beautiful Swirls: The orange-colored swirl adds a vibrant, eye-catching finish to the dessert.
• Southern-Inspired: This cheesecake blends classic Southern hospitality with tropical flair.
• Perfect for Celebrations: A great make-ahead dessert for potlucks, birthdays, or any spring/summer gathering.
• Simple, Real Ingredients: No gelatin or fancy tools — just good basics like cream cheese, sour cream, and citrus juices.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 55–60 minutes
Cool Time: 2 hours
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: Around 7 hours (including chilling)

Servings:
This cheesecake serves about 10–12 slices, depending on how you cut it.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly if you follow the steps. The swirl makes it look fancy — but it’s actually very easy to do!

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe from start to finish:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester (optional, if you want to add citrus zest)
• Butter knife or toothpick (for swirling)
• Baking sheet (for water bath if needed)
• Foil (for wrapping pan)

Ingredients for Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and fruity dessert. Exact amounts will be listed again in the recipe card below for easy printing.

Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened to room temp)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Large eggs
• Sour cream
• All-purpose flour
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Orange food coloring (optional, for visual swirl)

Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh pineapple slices
• Fresh orange slices
• Fresh mint leaves

Variations for This Cheesecake

• Use Crushed Pineapple: For more texture, stir in ¼ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter.
• Add Citrus Zest: Enhance the citrus flavor with zest from one orange or lemon.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free versions.
• No Food Coloring? Just skip it. The swirl still tastes great without the bright orange hue.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Pour into muffin liners and reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes for individual servings.

How to Make Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it looks like wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down firmly and evenly.
4. Bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. No lumps.
2. Add the sugar and mix again until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. One at a time, mix in the eggs, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next.
5. Add sour cream, flour, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Mix on low speed until just combined — don’t overmix.

3. Make the Orange Swirl

1. Pour about 1 cup of the cheesecake batter into a small bowl.
2. Stir in a few drops of orange food coloring to this portion and mix well.
3. This will be your swirl mix.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour the plain cheesecake batter over the baked crust.
2. Spoon the orange batter on top in dollops, spreading them around the surface.
3. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the orange batter into the plain batter — move it around slowly to make a pretty marbled pattern. Don’t overdo it or the colors will blend too much.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

1. Wrap the outside of the springform pan in foil (to prevent leaks if using a water bath).
2. Place the pan in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake for 55–60 minutes. The edges will be set but the center will still jiggle slightly.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.

6. Cool and Chill

1. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath.
2. Let it cool at room temperature for another hour.
3. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps it set completely and brings out the flavors.

How to Serve Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake

This cheesecake is all about presentation and flavor. Serve it chilled with garnishes to match its bright, tropical feel.

Serving Suggestions:

• Add Whipped Cream: Pipe or dollop whipped cream around the edges or in the center before slicing.
• Fresh Fruit: Garnish with slices of fresh pineapple and orange.
• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves on top make it pop and smell fresh.
• Extra Drizzle: Want it fancy? A light pineapple or orange glaze drizzled over the top works beautifully.

Storing Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake

Cheesecake stores well and even gets better after a day in the fridge. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it airtight to prevent the cheesecake from absorbing other fridge odors.
• Freezer: Slice the cheesecake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Avoid Room Temperature: Don’t leave cheesecake out for more than 2 hours — it’s dairy-based and needs to stay chilled.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined, especially after adding eggs. Overmixing can cause cracks during baking.
• Water Bath = Creamy Texture: Using a water bath helps keep the cheesecake moist and prevents it from cracking.
• Swirl Gently: A little swirl goes a long way. Drag your knife just through the top layer for a pretty effect — don’t over-blend the colors.
• Chill Time Matters: Let it set in the fridge overnight for best flavor and texture. Patience pays off here.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
Calories	420
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	16g
Cholesterol	105mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbs	35g
Sugars	26g
Protein	6g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary slightly based on exact ingredients used.

Southern Pineapple Cheesecake FAQs

Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes! It’s just for visual appeal. The cheesecake will still taste amazing without it.

Do I need a water bath?
You don’t have to, but it helps prevent cracking and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after chilling overnight.

Can I use bottled juice?
Fresh juice is best, but high-quality bottled juice with no added sugar will work fine.

Conclusion

This Southern Pineapple Orange Swirl Cheesecake has become a go-to in my kitchen — especially for warm-weather get-togethers. It’s creamy, fruity, and just the right mix of refreshing and indulgent. If you love citrus or pineapple desserts, you’ll want to bookmark this one. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it every time sunshine hits your windows.