Cherry Coke Cheesecake

This Cherry Coke Cheesecake is a fun twist on classic cheesecake with layers of Coca-Cola and sweet cherry flavor. It starts with a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling flavored with Coca-Cola, then gets a pretty pink cherry cheesecake layer made with cherry pie filling.

Once the cheesecake is baked and chilled, it’s finished with fluffy whipped cream and bright red cherries. The two-tone filling makes every slice especially pretty, with a creamy Coca-Cola layer on the bottom and a soft pink cherry layer on top.

It’s a fun dessert for summer parties, cookouts, birthdays, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a cheesecake that’s a little different from the usual.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Coke Cheesecake

This cheesecake takes the classic combination of Coca-Cola and cherries and turns it into a rich, creamy dessert.

The filling is divided into two layers instead of mixing it all. The bottom cheesecake layer gets the Coca-Cola flavor, while cherry pie filling is mixed into the remaining batter to create the pink cherry layer.

The finished cheesecake is creamy, colorful, and gorgeous, topped with whipped cream and cherries.

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Chill Time: At least 6 hours
Total Time: About 7 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Cherry Coke Cheesecake Filling

• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/4 cup cherry pie filling

Topping

• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries

Instructions

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all of the crumbs are evenly coated.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.

Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

Place the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on low to medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix just until combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Stop mixing as soon as each egg disappears into the batter. Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs.

Make the Coca-Cola Layer

Divide the cheesecake batter into two bowls, roughly half each.

Add the Coca-Cola to one half of the cheesecake batter and gently mix until combined.

Pour the Coca-Cola cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread it into an even layer.

Make the Cherry Cheesecake Layer

Add 1/4 cup cherry pie filling to the remaining cheesecake batter.

Gently fold or mix the cherry pie filling into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter should turn a pretty, pale pink color with little bits of cherry throughout.

Carefully spoon the pink cherry cheesecake batter over the Coca-Cola layer.

Start by adding small spoonfuls across the surface rather than pouring everything into the center. This helps keep the two cheesecake layers separate.

Gently smooth the top.

Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes.

The outer edges should look set, while the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently move the pan.

Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and allow the cheesecake to sit inside for about 30 minutes.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Once completely chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

Decorate the Cherry Coke Cheesecake

Just before serving, pipe generous swirls of whipped cream around the top of the cheesecake.

Finish each swirl with a bright red maraschino cherry, or use fresh cherries when they’re in season.

For an extra cherry finish, you can spoon a little additional cherry pie filling into the center of the cheesecake, but it’s completely optional. The whipped cream and cherries are beautiful on their own.

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

What Does Cherry Coke Cheesecake Taste Like?

This cheesecake is rich and creamy with the familiar flavors of Coca-Cola and sweet cherries.

The Coca-Cola layer has a subtle caramel-cola flavor, while the pink cherry layer is sweeter and fruitier from the cherry pie filling. The buttery graham cracker crust adds just enough texture to balance the creamy filling.

Whipped cream and cherries on top bring everything together and give the finished cheesecake a classic soda-shop feel.

Why Divide the Cheesecake Batter?

Dividing the batter is what gives this Cherry Coke Cheesecake its beautiful layered appearance.

Instead of making one cherry-cola-flavored filling, flavor the bottom portion with Coca-Cola. Then mix cherry pie filling into the second portion, turning it a pretty light pink.

When you cut into the chilled cheesecake, you can see the two distinct layers.

Tips for Making Creamy Cheesecake

Start with room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. Softened ingredients blend more smoothly and help prevent small pieces of cream cheese from remaining in the batter.

Once you begin adding the eggs, keep the mixer on low and don’t overmix. Too much air in cheesecake batter can cause it to puff excessively in the oven and then crack as it cools.

Also, don’t wait until the entire center looks completely firm before taking the cheesecake out of the oven. A properly baked cheesecake should still jiggle slightly in the center.

It will continue setting as it cools and then become firm and creamy after chilling.

Can I Make Cherry Coke Cheesecake Ahead of Time?

Yes, and cheesecake is actually one of the best desserts to make ahead.

Prepare and bake the cheesecake the day before you plan to serve it. Let it chill in the refrigerator overnight, then decorate it with whipped cream and cherries before serving.

The extra chilling time also makes it easier to cut into clean slices.

How to Get Clean Cheesecake Slices

For beautiful slices that show off the Coca-Cola and pink cherry layers, use a large sharp knife.

Dip the knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and make your first cut. Wipe and warm the knife again between each slice.

This prevents cheesecake from building up on the blade and gives you those clean bakery-style cuts.

How to Store Cherry Coke Cheesecake

Keep the cheesecake covered and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for about 4–5 days.

If you’re making it ahead, I recommend storing the cheesecake without the whipped cream and cherry decorations and adding those shortly before serving.

A Fun Cherry and Coca-Cola Dessert

The combination of cherry and Coca-Cola feels nostalgic, and it works beautifully in a creamy cheesecake.

With a buttery graham cracker crust, a Coca-Cola cheesecake layer, a pretty pink cherry layer, fluffy whipped cream, and bright red cherries, this Cherry Coke Cheesecake is as fun to look at as it is to eat.

It’s an easy way to turn the flavors of a favorite soda into a show-stopping homemade cheesecake.

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