As a seasoned baker well-versed in global dessert traditions, I’m thrilled to showcase one of Southeast Asia’s most prized sweet treats – the vividly green and fragrantly tropical Pandan swirl cheesecake. This showstopping cake’s exquisite flavor and visual appeal have made it a rising star across the international culinary scene. However, many home bakers still find the Pandan element intriguing yet perplexing.
In this Cheenhuaye’s article, I’ll serve up an insider’s guide to demystifying Pandan swirl cheesecake so you can master this recipe and bring an exotic elegance to your table. You’ll discover how to expertly blend the aromas of coconut, vanilla, and nutty Pandan leaf to create an irresistible creamy cheesecake swirled with bright green. I’ll also share professional tips for achieving the perfect swirl pattern along with troubleshooting any cracks or issues.
What is Pandan Swirl Cheesecake?
Pandan swirl cheesecake is a cheesecake made with pandan flavoring to create a vivid green color and unique taste. Pandan is a tropical plant found in Southeast Asia that produces long green leaves. These leaves are often used to impart a nutty, vanilla-like aroma and flavor to desserts.
In pandan swirl cheesecake, extract from pandan leaves gives part of the cheesecake batter a bright green hue. This green pandan batter is then swirled together with regular cheesecake batter before baking. The result is a cheesecake with a striking two-tone swirled pattern when sliced.
The origins of pandan swirl cheesecake can be traced back to Southeast Asia, where pandan is very commonly used in desserts. The swirl technique became popular more recently as bakers began creatively combining flavors and colors to make visually stunning cakes and cheesecakes. The unique appearance of pandan swirl cheesecake helps make it stand out.
The predominant flavors in pandan swirl cheesecake come from the interplay between the rich creamy cheesecake and the aromatic pandan. Expect a creamy, tangy cheesecake base topped with notes of coconut, vanilla, and nutty pandan. The floral pandan pairs surprisingly well with cheesecake to create a dessert that is both exotic and decadent.
Why should make Pandan swirl cheesecake?
Pandan swirl cheesecake is a special dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the exotic floral flavor of pandan. This unique treat is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Here are some reasons why you should try making this tasty dessert at home:
- The beautiful green and white swirl effect makes this cheesecake visually striking.
- The pandan flavor is uncommon and gives this dessert an exotic tropical flair.
- Making the swirl design is fun and adds creativity to the baking process.
- It’s a great way to showcase your baking skills for any special occasion.
- The creamy, tangy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the aromatic pandan.
Ingredients and Equipment to make Pandan swirl cheesecake
Making pandan swirl cheesecake requires a few specialty ingredients to achieve the signature swirl effect and pandan flavor. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
Ingredients for making
For the crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Sour cream
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs and egg yolks
- All-purpose flour
- Pandan extract or paste
- Green food coloring (optional)
Equipment to make it
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheesecloth (optional)
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Knife
The most important specialty ingredient is the pandan extract or paste. This can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. If unavailable, substitute with vanilla extract and green food coloring. Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese for proper mixing.
For equipment, a stand mixer makes light work of mixing the batter. You’ll also need a springform pan which is necessary to get clean slices of the swirled cheesecake after chilling. Parchment paper prevents sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Pandan swirl cheesecake
Follow these steps to create the perfect pandan swirled cheesecake:
Make the Crust
- Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes then allow to cool completely.
Make the Fillings
For regular cheesecake batter:
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla, eggs + yolks, and flour just until combined.
For pandan cheesecake batter:
- Remove 1 cup of the cheesecake batter and set aside.
- Mix pandan extract and food coloring into the 1 cup of reserved batter.
Swirl and Bake
- Pour regular cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Randomly drop spoonfuls of the green pandan batter over the top.
- Swirl batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until just set in the center.
- Cool completely at room temperature then refrigerate overnight.
Finish and Serve
- Run a knife around the pan and remove springform sides.
- Top with desired toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or glaze.
- Slice cheesecake with a clean, sharp knife to showcase swirl.
- Enjoy this tasty tropical treat!
The key steps for getting a perfect swirled texture are randomly dropping the pandan batter and using a knife or skewer to lightly swirl. Take care not to over-mix. Baking, cooling, and chilling times are also essential. Enjoy your beautiful pandan swirl cheesecake!
Tips for make Pandan swirl cheesecake Succesfully
Here are some helpful tips for getting picture-perfect results with your pandan swirl cheesecake:
- Use room temperature ingredients for proper mixing and smoothing.
- Grease the springform pan well to allow clean slice removal.
- Make sure to cool the cheesecake completely before chilling overnight. This prevents cracking.
- When swirling the batters, be gentle – you want distinct streaks, not a homogenized green tint.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath for extra moisture and reduced cracking.
- Let the cheesecake cool upside down after baking, this prevents the top from sinking.
- Chill the cheesecake uncovered in the fridge so the top stays dry, not soggy.
- For smooth slices, use a hot, dry knife to cut chilled cheesecake. Wipe clean between slices.
- Get creative with fun toppings like tropical fruit, chocolate drizzle, coconut, or whipped cream.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to impress everyone with your gorgeous, delicious pandan swirl cheesecake creation. Have fun with it!
FAQs: Pandan swirl cheesecake
Get answers to some common questions about making pandan swirl cheesecake:
Can I use lower fat cream cheese or yogurt cheese?
For best results, use full-fat cream cheese. Lower fat options may cause the cheesecake to be less rich or more prone to cracking.
What’s the difference between pandan extract vs paste?
Extract has a more concentrated flavor while the paste has a thicker consistency better for coloring the batter. Use about 1/2 tsp extract or 2-3 tsp paste.
Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Regular liquid food coloring can work but may result in paler color. Gel or paste food colors create a more vibrant green swirl.
What if my cheesecake cracks on top?
Some minor cracking is natural. To minimize, be sure the cheesecake is cooled fully before chilling and bake in a water bath. Topping with fruit or ganache can disguise cracks.
Can I make this without pandan?
You can substitute pandan with vanilla extract and green food coloring but the flavor will not be as authentic. Pandan’s unique flavor is what makes this cheesecake special.
How should I store any leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The texture may become slightly more dense but the flavors remain. Let slices sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion: Pandan swirl cheesecake
Pandan swirl cheesecake is a gorgeous and delicious showstopper of a dessert. With its alluring green swirls and tropical flavor, it offers something beyond your average cheesecake. The special pandan ingredient can seem intimidating but creating this stunning cake is very approachable for any home baker. Once you taste the interplay of creamy cheesecake with aromatic pandan, you’ll be hooked. Impress your friends and family with this beautiful swirled creation. Pandan swirl cheesecake is sure to add a memorable tropical flair to any gathering.
Homemade Pandan Swirl Cheesecake recipe
Notes
- For a richer cheesecake: Add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the cheesecake filling along with the eggs.
- For a stronger pandan flavor: Use homemade pandan paste instead of pandan extract. You can find recipes for pandan paste online.
- Don't overmix the batter: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cheesecake.
- Letting the cheesecake cool completely before chilling is important: This helps prevent cracks from forming on the top.
- To check for doneness: Gently insert a toothpick near the center of the cheesecake. If it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cheesecake is done.
- To prevent cracks: You can bake the cheesecake in a water bath. To do this, place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Cutting the cheesecake: Run a warm knife around the edge of the cheesecake before slicing to prevent tearing.
Ingredients
- + Crust:
- • 1 premade graham cracker crust (or your favorite crust recipe)
- + Cheesecake Filling:
- • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- • ½ cup granulated sugar
- • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- • ¼ teaspoon pandan extract
- • 2 large eggs
- + Pandan Swirl:
- • ¼ cup of the cheesecake batter
- • Few drops of pandan extract (optional, for a more intense pandan flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare your graham cracker crust according to package instructions, or use your favorite crust recipe.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and pandan extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Create the pandan swirl: Scoop out about ¼ cup of the cheesecake batter into a small bowl. Add a few drops of pandan extract (optional) to this portion and stir to combine.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the plain cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the pandan batter on top of the plain batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the pandan batter into the plain batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake for 40-42 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled and set.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Pandan Swirl Cheesecake recipe
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 25g | 38.5% | |
| Saturated Fat 15g | 75% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 150mg | 50% | |
| Sodium 200mg | 8.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 40g | 13.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% | |
| Sugars 5g | ||
| Protein 30g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!