Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake

I love making this Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake during the festive season—it’s one of my favorite holiday desserts! The smooth, creamy cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with tart cranberries, and the buttery crust makes every bite irresistible. It’s easier to make than it looks, and everyone always asks for seconds. If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet simple holiday cheesecake recipe, this one is definitely worth trying!

Why i love this recipe

• I love how easy this cheesecake comes together—no stress, just a few simple steps for a festive dessert.
• The combination of creamy cheesecake and tart cranberries is my favorite flavor for the holidays.
• It’s perfect for holiday gatherings—everyone always asks for seconds, and it looks beautiful on the dessert table.

STAR-STUDDED INGREDIENTS CREAMY HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

GRAHAM CRAKER Crust:

• 2 Cups Graham Crackers (crushed): The base of the crust, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation.
• 1/3 Cup Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• 7 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients together for a buttery texture.

Creamy Cheesecake FILLING:

• 32 ounces Cream Cheese (4 Bricks)(full fat): The main component for the rich and creamy cheesecake filling.
• 1 Cup Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• 2 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with a hint of vanilla.
• 3 Tbsp Orange Juice: Adds a citrusy note to the filling.
• 2 Tbsp Orange Zest: Infuses citrus aroma for a bright and festive touch.
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon (ground): Introduces warm and comforting spice.
• 4 Eggs (room temp): Contributes to the smooth and creamy texture.
• 2 Egg Yolks (room temp): Adds richness to the cheesecake.
• 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream: Further enriches the filling for a luxurious consistency.

Cranberry Topping:

• 4 Cups Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the topping, providing a burst of tartness and vibrant color.
• 1¼ Cup Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• 1 Cup Water: Provides the liquid base for the cranberry sauce.
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the cranberry topping.
• 1/4 Cup Orange Juice: Enhances the cranberry flavor with citrusy notes.

HOW TO PREPARE CREAMY HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE?

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Lightly spray a 9″ springform pan with non-stick spray.
• Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with heavy duty tinfoil. I recommend doing several diligent layers here to ensure no water creeps through when you place the pan in the water bath. Set pan aside.
• In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; stir well to combine. Firmly pat the mixture into the prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Place partially baked crust on a cooling rack and set aside while you prepare the filling.

Creamy Cheesecake Filling:

• In the body of a high power blender, food processor, stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a very large bowl using a hand held mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Add sugar, vanilla, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon and beat smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Add in the eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the cream and beat until it’s just incorporated in the batter.

• Pour filling into prepared crust and, using a silicone spatula, smooth the top.

• Place the cheesecake pan into a large, deep roasting pan. Fill the pan with 2 inches of hot water. This is your water bath and will help ensure your cheesecake comes out crack free.
• Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake sit, undisturbed, for one hour, inside the oven with the door shut. The cheesecake should be still slightly wiggly.
• Remove the cake from the oven and gently run a knife very around the edge of the cake. Place the cheesecake pan on a cooling rack and cool completely, then loosely cover the pan with saran wrap and chill for at least 8 hours.

• Cheesecake can be kept, covered in the fridge, for 5 days. Cheesecake may be frozen for 2 months. Thaw overnight before slicing.

Cranberry Topping:

• In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes.
• Combine cornstarch and orange juice until smooth; stir into cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.

faq – frequently asked questions:

Pro Cooking Tips for Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother and creamier batter.
• Prevent Overmixing: Mix the cheesecake batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks.
• Water Bath Technique: Use a water bath by placing the cheesecake pan in a larger pan with hot water. This helps maintain a moist environment, reducing the risk of cracks.
• Chill the Cranberry Topping: Allow the cranberry topping to cool before spreading it over the cheesecake to achieve a more even and set layer.
• Patience is Key: The cheesecake should cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar before transferring it to the refrigerator. This helps prevent cracks.

Looking for other holiday dessert ideas?

As you prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of the holiday season, consider expanding your dessert repertoire beyond the classic Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake. Elevate your Thanksgiving or Christmas table with an array of festive treats that cater to every palate. Classic Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with a dollop of whipped cream, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pie, and a rich Chocolate Yule Log for a touch of indulgence are timeless favorites that capture the essence of Thanksgiving and Christmas. For those who appreciate a modern twist, try serving Gingerbread Cheesecake Bites or Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake, infusing a burst of seasonal flavors into every bite. Elevate your dessert table with a delightful assortment that caters to the diverse tastes of your loved ones, making your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable.”