Oh my goodness, if you’ve never tried a cranberry cheesecake before, you’re in for a real treat! This dessert is like a creamy dream with a tangy twist, thanks to the fresh cranberries that give it such a unique flavor. I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a holiday gathering—everyone was so surprised by the burst of tartness that complemented the rich creaminess. It was an instant hit! Every time I whip this up, it reminds me of family celebrations, laughter, and all the joy that comes with sharing good food. Trust me, this cranberry cheesecake will not only impress your friends and family but also become a cherished recipe in your home. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful creation!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this scrumptious cranberry cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs (for that buttery, crunchy crust)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (this helps bind the crust together)
- 2 cups of cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup of sugar (this sweetens the filling just right)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for a hint of warmth)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature works best for a smooth texture)
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup of orange juice (to brighten up those cranberries)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (for the cranberry topping, to balance the tartness)
With these simple yet delicious ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cheesecake that’s bursting with flavor!
How to Prepare Cranberry Cheesecake
Preheat and Prepare the Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until it resembles wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. You want it nice and compact for that perfect crust!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now for the creamy goodness! In a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy—this can take a few minutes, so be patient! Next, add the vanilla extract and the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important not to overmix, just until everything is well combined. Once it’s all smooth and luscious, pour this heavenly cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust in the springform pan.
Bake the Cheesecake
Time to bake! Place the cheesecake in the oven and let it bake for about 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Prepare the Cranberry Topping
While the cheesecake is baking, let’s whip up the cranberry topping. In a saucepan, simmer the fresh cranberries, orange juice, and 1/4 cup of sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens—this should only take about 10 minutes. Timing is key here, so don’t wander off!
Chill and Serve
Once your cheesecake has baked and cooled, carefully spread the cranberry topping over the top. Now, here’s the hardest part: let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for that perfect texture!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful cranberry cheesecake. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Each slice contains approximately 350 calories, 22g of fat, 5g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every bite, but savor it wisely!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this cranberry cheesecake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones:
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using for the topping.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake? To avoid cracks, make sure not to overmix your filling and let it cool slowly in the oven after baking.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Yes! This cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight, so it’s perfect for preparing a day in advance.
What can I serve with cranberry cheesecake? A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with this dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions!
- Quick to prepare, with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- The creamy texture combined with the tangy cranberry topping creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone will be asking for seconds (and the recipe)!
- Great for making ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge.
- This cheesecake is not just tasty, it’s also visually stunning with that gorgeous cranberry topping.
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your cranberry cheesecake turns out perfectly every time! First, make sure your cream cheese is really soft—leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing. This helps create that velvety smooth filling. Don’t rush the mixing; blend until just combined to avoid cracks. If you want an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture—it pairs beautifully with the cranberries! Finally, be patient during the chilling process; this is where the magic happens, and it’ll be worth the wait. Happy baking!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe and Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake Recipe.
Print
Cranberry cheesecake: 7 Steps to Pure Happiness
- Total Time: 4 hours 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy cranberry cheesecake with a buttery crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar (for cranberry topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a mixer, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set.
- While cheesecake bakes, prepare cranberry topping by simmering cranberries, orange juice, and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan until cranberries burst.
- Let cheesecake cool, then spread cranberry topping over the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh cranberries for best results.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before adding topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cranberry cheesecake, dessert, holiday dessert, cheesecake recipe