Yummy Cranberry Cheesecake Manila Spoon

Cover Winning Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe Taste of Home (1200x1200)

Table of Contents

1. What is Cranberry Cheesecake?
2. How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake?
3. Tips for Making Cranberry Cheesecake
4. Serving and Storing Cranberry Cheesecake
5. Variations to Cranberry Cheesecake

What is Cranberry Cheesecake?

Cranberry cheesecake is a delicious dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the tart, sweet flavor of cranberries. It is a popular dessert during the fall holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a cranberry topping that is sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The cheesecake is baked in the oven and then chilled before serving, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake?

Making cranberry cheesecake is not difficult, but it does require some time and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cranberry cheesecake:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Make the crust: Crush graham crackers in a food processor and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour the mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
4. Make the cranberry topping: Combine cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake filling.
5. Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Tips for Making Cranberry Cheesecake

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect cranberry cheesecake:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring the cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before making the cheesecake. This will help them blend together smoothly.
• Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing the filling can cause it to crack when baking. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
• Bake the cheesecake in a water bath: A water bath will help the cheesecake cook evenly and prevent cracks from forming. Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
• Cool the cheesecake slowly: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This will prevent the cheesecake from cracking.

Serving and Storing Cranberry Cheesecake

Cranberry cheesecake can be served chilled or at room temperature. It is best to let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Variations to Cranberry Cheesecake

There are many variations to cranberry cheesecake that you can try:

• Replace the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust for a chocolate cranberry cheesecake.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for added crunch.
• Replace the cranberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
• Top the cheesecake with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Cranberry cheesecake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for the fall holidays. With its creamy cheesecake filling and sweet-tart cranberry topping, it is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. By following the tips and variations in this article, you can make the perfect cranberry cheesecake every time.