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No-Bake Circus Animal Cookie Cheesecake

A whimsical cheesecake inspired by circus animal cookies, capturing the essence of childhood memories in every creamy bite. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Party
Cuisine: American, Kid-Friendly
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2.5 cups circus animal cookie crumbs Crushed cookies for the crust
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter To bind the cookie crumbs
Filling
  • 16 ounces cream cheese At room temperature for ease of mixing
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar To sweeten the cheesecake
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips Melted for the filling
  • 0.25 cups heavy whipping cream Used to melt with chocolate
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip Thawed for a light texture
  • 1 cup circus animal cookies Roughly chopped for the filling
Ganache
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips For the ganache topping
  • 0.333 cups heavy whipping cream To create the ganache
  • 1-2 drops pink gel food coloring For coloring the ganache
  • as needed rainbow non-pareils For decoration

Method
 

Prepare the Pan
  1. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan, then place a parchment round in the bottom and give it another light spray.
Make the Crust
  1. In a large bowl, combine circus animal cookie crumbs and melted butter until moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
  2. Melt white chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds until smooth and then beat into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Gently fold in Cool Whip and chopped circus animal cookies until fully combined.
  4. Spread the filling into the prepared pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Make the Ganache
  1. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds until hot. Pour over the remaining white chocolate chips, allowing it to sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth.
  2. Add a drop of pink gel food coloring to the ganache and swirl if desired.
  3. Spread the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with rainbow non-pareils.
Serve
  1. Allow the cheesecake to set for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and whole circus animal cookies if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Allow to reach room temperature before serving for best taste.