Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
Description
Overview: Indulge in the Festive Flavors of Baked Cranberry cheesecake, a luscious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tart sweetness of cranberries. This holiday-inspired treat features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cranberry topping that adds a burst of flavor and festive color to your table.
Ingredients
For the crust:
Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup
For the cheesecake filling:
Cream cheese, softened: 32 oz (4 blocks)
Granulated sugar: 1 1/4 cups
Eggs, at room temperature: 4 large
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Sour cream, at room temperature: 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
For the cranberry topping:
Fresh cranberries: 2 cups
Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
Water: 1/2 cup
Orange zest: 1 tsp
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
Step 4: Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour or until the center is almost set.
Step 5: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Let cool completely.
Step 7: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate. Spoon the cooled cranberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Slice and serve chilled.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Servings
Servings: 12
Notes
For a smoother cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking the cheesecake and let it cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.
Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
Calories: 520
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 8g
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled slices of Baked Cranberry Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break or after-dinner dessert.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them before making the topping and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cranberry topping just before serving for the best results.
Q3: Can I use a different type of crust?
A3: Yes, you can experiment with different crusts like a gingersnap cookie crust or a chocolate cookie crust for variety.
Q4: How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
A4: The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it cools and chills.
Q5: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the baked cheesecake without the topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the cranberry topping before serving.
Join Our Mailing List and Instantly Access Your Free Health Guide!
Instantly Access Your FREE Children’s Books Here!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
