Firework swirl cheesecake

Meet your new favorite 4th of July dessert: Firework Swirl Cheesecake! This creamy, festive cheesecake is made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a colorful red, white, and blue swirl that looks just like fireworks. Topped with whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles, it’s the perfect dessert to celebrate Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any summer party.

The best part? The fun striped design happens just by layering the batter, no complicated swirling needed. This cheesecake looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun & festive – The red, white, and blue layers make this a true centerpiece dessert.

• Simple technique – The “bullseye pour” method creates perfect stripes every time.

• Smooth & creamy – Using room-temperature ingredients gives you the silkiest texture.

• Perfect for summer – Make it the day before and let it chill overnight, so you can just grab and serve when the party starts.

Ingredients

For the Graham Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• ½ tbsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• Red and blue gel food coloring (for bold, vibrant color)

For the Topping:

• Pastry Pride whipped topping (or your favorite whipped cream)

• Patriotic sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Preheat oven to 375°F.Grease a 6-inch springform pan and (optional) wrap the outside with foil to prepare for a water bath, this helps prevent cracks.

In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool while you make the filling. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix until well combined.Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl between each addition. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and flour until the batter is silky smooth.

Step 3: Divide & Color the Batter

Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into three bowls:

• Leave one plain (white)

• Color one red

• Color one blue

Use gel food coloring for a bold, vibrant finish (a little goes a long way!).

Step 4: Create the Bullseye Pattern

Starting in the center of the crust, pour ¼ cup red batter. Directly on top, pour ¼ cup white batter, then ¼ cup blue batter.Keep repeating this pattern until all the batter is used. The batter will naturally spread outward, creating perfect rings of color.

Step 5: Bake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.

Step 6: Chill

Remove cheesecake from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Add the Topping

When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and finish with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients – This prevents lumps and makes a smooth, creamy filling.

• Don’t rush the cooling process – Leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked helps prevent cracks.

• Use gel coloring – Gel food coloring gives you bold colors without thinning the batter.

• Chill overnight – The longer it chills, the better the texture and flavor.

This Firework Swirl Cheesecake is the ultimate patriotic dessert, smooth, creamy, and so fun when you slice into it. It’s a showstopper that will have everyone asking, “How did you make those stripes?!”

If you bake this cheesecake, make sure to tag me @sprinklemesyd  I can’t wait to see your beautiful red, white, and blue creations!