Table of Contents
Looking to wow your guests this holiday season? Look no further than Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake! This festive dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this cheesecake is sure to become a cherished favorite. Let’s whip up this delicious dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– The Topping:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Serving Size
- Serves: 10–12
Prep Time
- 30 minutes
Cook Time
- 1 hour
Total Time
- 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). A properly heated oven ensures an even baking process for your cheesecake.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
5. Chill the Cheesecake
Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up beautifully.
6. Add the Topping
Before serving, spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it an ideal dessert for holiday celebrations. It not only looks stunning on the dessert table but also tastes incredible. The tart cranberries contrast beautifully with the smooth, rich cheesecake, ensuring every bite is a taste of the holidays.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest to the filling for a citrusy kick that complements the cranberries perfectly.
This Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave them raving about your baking skills. So gather your ingredients, get in the festive spirit, and create a dessert that truly captures the essence of the holiday season!
