How to make poppy seed zebra cheesecake step by step

Step 1 – Prep

• Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) using conventional bake (top & bottom heat, no fan). Place an oven-safe dish filled with water on the bottom rack.
• Heat the heavy cream until hot, then add the chopped white chocolate. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  200 g white chocolate, 100 ml heavy whipping cream
  
• Line the bottom of the springform pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides with butter and dust lightly with flour.
  

Step 2 – Make the Crust

• Crush or blend the cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with the melted butter.
  about 150 g spiced shortbread cookies, about 50 g butter
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  

Step 3 – Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla pudding mix, and flavoring (if using). Mix briefly — just until combined.
  1 kg cream cheese, 4 eggs, 50 g sugar, 1 package vanilla pudding mix, Flavoring
  
• Add the slightly cooled white chocolate mixture and mix again briefly.
  
• Transfer about ⅓ of the cheesecake batter to a separate bowl and stir in the ground poppy seeds.
  90 g ground poppy seeds
  

Step 4 – Create the Zebra Pattern

• Pour a portion of the plain cheesecake batter over the crust.
• Spoon a portion of the poppy seed batter into the center.
• Continue layering the two batters alternately until both are used.
  

Step 5 – Bake the Zebra Cheesecake

• Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 1½ hours.
• Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool gradually inside.

Step 6 – Make the White Chocolate Topping

• Heat the heavy cream, add the chopped white chocolate, and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  100 g white chocolate, 50 ml heavy whipping cream
• Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.
  
• Decorate with candied orange peel and ground poppy seeds, if desired.
  Candied orange peel, Ground poppy seeds
• Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator before serving.