Dreamy Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Masterpiece

Cranberry cheesecake dazzles with its sophisticated blend of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated dessert lovers appreciate how this confection balances creamy richness with vibrant fruit notes.

Bold yet delicate, the dessert revolutionizes ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.

Home bakers can craft this showstopping treat with surprising ease and minimal technical skill.

The recipe seamlessly marries classic cheesecake techniques with seasonal cranberry brilliance.

Smooth cream cheese provides a luxurious foundation for the bright, jewel-toned fruit topping.

Elegant and approachable, this dessert promises to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

Why Cranberry Cheesecake Is Always a Hit

• Creamy Dreamy Delight: This cranberry cheesecake offers a luxurious, velvety texture that melts perfectly in your mouth, creating a smooth and indulgent dessert experience.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: The tangy cranberry sauce adds a vibrant, bright burst of flavor that beautifully complements the rich, creamy cheesecake base, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
• Baking Brilliance Technique: The water bath method ensures a crack-free, silky-smooth cheesecake surface while preventing overcooking, demonstrating a professional baking technique that elevates the entire dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe allows for easy preparation in advance, with the cheesecake chilling overnight and the cranberry sauce stored separately, making it a stress-free dessert option for entertaining or family celebrations.

Everything That Goes into Cranberry Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake with a sweet, crunchy texture that provides a sturdy foundation.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that gives the cheesecake its signature rich and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Offers a subtle, nutty undertone to complement the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a silky, smooth texture to the filling.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart berries that create a vibrant, tangy sauce for topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cranberries natural tartness and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Water: Used to dissolve sugar and cook cranberries.
• Orange Zest or Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to the cranberry sauce.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the cranberry sauces depth of flavor.

Crafting a Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake with Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even base.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

• Sugar
• Eggs

Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure even texture.

Step 4: Enhance the Batter

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Sour cream

Gently mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Pour and Prepare for Baking

Carefully pour the creamy batter over the graham cracker crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting dish. Fill the roasting dish halfway with boiling water to create a water bath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by gently touching the surface – it should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Loosen

Run a thin knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen from the pan sides. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight to ensure it sets properly.

Step 9: Prepare Cranberry Sauce

• Sugar
• Water

Heat until sugar dissolves. Add fresh cranberries and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Finish the Sauce

• Orange zest or lemon zest
• Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chilled cheesecake and top with homemade cranberry sauce. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.

Useful Tips for Cranberry Cheesecake Bakers

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Use a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger roasting dish filled with boiling water to ensure even, gentle baking and minimize surface cracks.
• Smooth Batter Secret: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and scrape down bowl sides frequently to achieve a silky, lump-free cheesecake texture.
• Crust Compression Trick: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan bottom using the back of a measuring cup for a compact, stable base.
• Flavor Enhancement Hack: Add small amounts of vanilla and almond extracts to deepen the cheesecake's rich, complex taste profile.
• Cooling Perfection Method: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause surface splitting.

How to Keep Cranberry Cheesecake Tasting Great

• Refrigeration Method: Wrap your cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Freezing Method: Carefully place individual slices or the whole cheesecake in a freezer-safe container. Seal completely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture.
• Reheating Method: Thaw refrigerated or frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. For the best taste and texture, serve chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the delicate dessert tough and compromise its smooth, creamy consistency.

Pairing Cranberry Cheesecake with the Right Flavors

• Pair with Sweet Sipping Port: Indulge in a rich, sweet port wine that complements the creamy cheesecake's texture and balances the tart cranberry sauce. Ruby or tawny ports offer deep fruity notes that dance perfectly with the dessert's complex flavors.
• Boost with Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Add a light, refreshing contrast by serving chilled sparkling water with a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice. The citrusy bubbles cut through the cheesecake's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Toasted Almond Brittle: Sprinkle crunchy, caramelized almond brittle alongside the cheesecake slice to introduce a nutty, textural element. The brittle's sweet crunch provides a delightful counterpoint to the smooth, creamy dessert and tangy cranberry sauce.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream next to the cheesecake. Its cold, smooth texture and pure vanilla flavor create a harmonious blend that elevates the entire dessert experience.

New Spins on the Classic Cranberry Cheesecake

• Berry Bliss Variation: Swap cranberries with fresh blueberries or mixed berries for a vibrant color and tangy flavor profile that complements the creamy cheesecake base.
• Nutty Crunch Remix: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the graham cracker crust for extra texture and a delightful nutty undertone that elevates the dessert's complexity.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Incorporate warm spices like ground ginger, cardamom, and cloves into the cranberry sauce to create a seasonal twist that captures cozy fall flavors.
• Chocolate Cranberry Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished cheesecake and sprinkle dried cranberries on top for a decadent and sophisticated dessert experience.

Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry cheesecake brings festive magic to holiday dessert tables with rich cream cheese and tangy seasonal berries. Silky smooth layers create perfect balance between sweet and tart, inviting warm memories of winter gatherings where friends savor each delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1.5 cups sour cream (at room temperature)
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries

Sweeteners and Sugar:

• 1 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch (23-centimeter) springform pan with butter.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly mixed, then press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating sugar and eggs while periodically scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold in vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream, blending these ingredients into the cheesecake batter until well integrated.
5. Carefully pour the creamy batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting dish and fill the outer dish halfway with boiling water to create a water bath, which helps prevent surface cracking.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a firm yet slightly jiggly center that indicates proper doneness.
8. Remove from oven and immediately run a thin knife around the cheesecake’s edges to prevent potential cracking during cooling.
9. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
10. For the cranberry topping, combine granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
11. Add fresh cranberries and cook for 5-7 minutes, gently stirring as they begin to burst and create a vibrant sauce.
12. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg for enhanced flavor complexity.
13. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve alongside the chilled cheesecake.
14. When serving, garnish each slice with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce and optional whipped cream.

Notes

• Protect your cheesecake from unsightly cracks by placing the springform pan in a water bath during baking, which helps distribute heat evenly and prevents surface splitting.
• Create a silky-smooth cream cheese mixture by beating ingredients at room temperature and scraping down bowl sides consistently to eliminate potential lumps.
• Prevent soggy graham cracker crust by pressing crumbs firmly and evenly, ensuring a solid foundation that holds up against the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Develop deep flavor complexity in cranberry sauce by incorporating citrus zest and warm spices like cinnamon, transforming a simple topping into a vibrant companion.
• Cool cheesecake gradually to maintain its pristine texture, allowing it to rest at room temperature before refrigerating to minimize potential structural changes.
• Elevate presentation by generously topping each slice with homemade cranberry sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a stunning dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 339 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 205mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 76mg