Citrus Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ¼ cup sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 cup sour cream
– ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Citrus Swirl:
– ½ cup orange marmalade
– ½ cup lemon curd

For the Topping:
– Meringue kisses
– Slices of fresh orange, lemon, and possibly blood orange
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Preparation

1. Prepare the Crust:
   – Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
   – In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   – Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, and up the sides a little. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   – In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
   – Gradually add sugar, beating until combined.
   – Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   – Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest.
   – Blend in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
   – Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
   – Drop spoonfuls of orange marmalade and lemon curd onto the cheesecake filling.
   – Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the marmalade and curd into the filling to create a marbled effect.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
   – Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
   – Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
   – Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
5. Decorate the Cheesecake:
   – Once the cheesecake is fully set and chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
   – Decorate the top with meringue kisses, fresh citrus slices, and mint leaves.

Enjoy your beautifully swirled citrus cheesecake!

Would you like any variations or additional tips for this recipe?