Cranberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings the best flavors of the season together. With its creamy filling, sweet-tart cranberry topping, and a crunchy crust, it’s a wonderful treat for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
For the topping:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Sugared cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
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Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until just combined.
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Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, spread cranberry sauce evenly on top of the cheesecake and garnish with sugared cranberries if desired.
How to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake
Serve your Cranberry Cheesecake chilled. Cut into slices and enjoy the creamy goodness topped with cranberry sauce. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea!
How to Store Cranberry Cheesecake
To store your cheesecake, keep it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
Tips to Make Cranberry Cheesecake
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the flavors blend and the cheesecake set properly.
Variation
Feel free to add a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra twist or use mixed berries as a topping instead of cranberry sauce for a different fruit flavor!