Ocean Dream No-Bake Cheesecake
Dive into an oceanic delight with our Ocean Dream No-Bake Cheesecake. This vibrant dessert captures the serene essence of a beachside paradise with its swirling patterns of blue and green, enhanced by the crunch of sparkling rock candy that mimics the gentle glint of sunlit waves. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy, no-bake treat will have you dreaming of the sea in every bite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate sandwich cookies
20 (crushed into small bits)
Butter
5 tablespoons (melted)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (canned)
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Blue spirulina powder
1 tablespoon (for coloring)
Green spirulina powder
1 tablespoon (for coloring)
Blue rock candy
1/4 cup (crushed)
Green rock candy
1/4 cup (crushed)
Instructions
1
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies until finely ground. Add melted butter, then pulse until combined.
2
Transfer the mixture to a pie pan. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to firmly press down, forming an even crust across the base and up the sides. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, blending until well incorporated and creamy. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
4
Separate the filling into two equal portions, placing each in a separate bowl.
5
Color the first bowl with blue spirulina by mixing thoroughly until you achieve a uniform color. Repeat with the second bowl using green spirulina.
6
Assemble the cheesecake: Alternate spoonfuls of blue and green filling over the chilled crust to create a tye-dye effect.
7
Sprinkle the top with blue and green spirulina powder for an added wave-like visual effect. Use an offset spatula to gently swirl the colors for a wave effect.
8
Chill the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until set.
9
For the final touch, top the chilled cheesecake with crushed blue and green rock candy before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ocean Dream No-Bake Cheesecake?
It is a vibrant, sea-themed dessert featuring blue and green swirls and a rock candy topping that mimics sunlit waves.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made from 20 chocolate sandwich cookies and 5 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?
Yes, while chocolate sandwich cookies are recommended, you can use other cookies like graham crackers.
How long should the crust chill before adding the filling?
The crust needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set properly.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How is the cheesecake filling sweetened?
The filling is sweetened using 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
What gives the cheesecake its blue and green colors?
The colors are achieved by using blue spirulina powder and green spirulina powder.
What is spirulina powder?
Spirulina is a natural algae-based powder used for both its nutritional value and its vibrant coloring.
Can I use food coloring instead of spirulina?
Yes, blue and green food coloring can be used as a substitute for spirulina powder.
How do I achieve the tye-dye effect?
Alternate spoonfuls of blue and green filling over the crust and swirl them together gently.
What is the purpose of the rock candy topping?
The rock candy adds a crunchy texture and mimics the glint of waves on the ocean.
When should I add the rock candy to the cheesecake?
Add the crushed blue and green rock candy just before serving to ensure it stays crunchy.
How long does the cheesecake need to set in the fridge?
The assembled cheesecake should chill for at least 4 hours or until it is completely set.
Is this a baked or no-bake recipe?
This is a no-bake recipe, meaning no oven is required.
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of the filling.
What size pie pan is needed?
A standard pie pan is used to form the cookie crust and hold the filling.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to provide a similar citrus flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing nature and oceanic theme make it a perfect summer dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
Does the cheesecake contain eggs?
No, this no-bake cheesecake recipe does not contain any eggs.
How do I prepare the cookies for the crust?
The chocolate sandwich cookies should be crushed into small bits using a food processor.
How do I mix the spirulina powder into the filling?
Separate the filling into two bowls and mix the powder thoroughly until the color is uniform.
Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you could use coconut or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
What does the Ocean Dream theme refer to?
It refers to the visual aesthetic of the dessert, which resembles a tropical beach paradise.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe suitable for beginners.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two cheesecakes if serving a larger crowd.
What tool is used to swirl the colors?
An offset spatula is recommended to gently swirl the colors for a wave effect.
What is the serving size for this cheesecake?
The serving size is one-sixth of the total cheesecake.