Valentine heart cheesecake
Valentine Heart Cheesecake: A Showstopper for Any Celebration
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, a dessert that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious is the ultimate way to celebrate love. This Valentine Heart Cheesecake ticks all the boxes—it’s colorful, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Best of all, it’s a no-bake dessert, making it as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
The layers of this cheesecake are what make it truly special. A purple shortbread crust forms the base, giving a hint of whimsy and vibrancy to the dessert. Each cheesecake layer—white, red, and pink—is flavored with rich cream cheese, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Not only does this cheesecake taste incredible, but it’s also an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration. Serve it at a Valentine’s dinner party, or surprise your loved ones with individual slices wrapped in decorative boxes.
This cheesecake is best served frozen, ensuring that every slice maintains its shape and creamy texture. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or that special someone, this Valentine Cheesecake is a dessert that speaks the language of love.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ‘Keebler’ brand shortbread crusts, already prepared
- 1 teaspoon purple food coloring gel
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Red food coloring gel
- Pink food coloring gel
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Place the shortbread crusts in a large bowl and crumble them into fine crumbs.
- Mix in the purple food coloring gel until the crumbs are evenly colored.
- Press the purple crumbs firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Smooth out evenly, and freeze.
2. Make the Whipped Cream
- In a stand mixer, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In the same (rinsed and dried) mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy and well blended.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
4. Color the Layers
- Divide the cheesecake mixture into three equal portions:
- Leave one portion white.
- Color the second portion with red food coloring gel until a vibrant red is achieved.
- Color the third portion with pink food coloring gel. Adjust each color as needed.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the white layer evenly over it. Smooth the top and freeze for 1 hour, or until set.
- Add the red layer on top of the white, smooth evenly, and freeze for another hour.
- Finally, add the pink layer on top of the red, smooth evenly, and freeze for 1 hour.
6. Store and Serve
- Cover the cheesecake with parchment paper and foil, sealing the top. Keep in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Cut into 2-inch slices and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the freezer.
This Valentine Cheesecake is a no-bake masterpiece featuring colorful layers of creamy cheesecake atop a purple shortbread crust. With vibrant hues of red, pink, and white, it’s the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion. Rich, creamy, and visually stunning, it’s guaranteed to make your celebrations sweeter!