Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake

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Indulge in the enchantment of the season with our Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake, a festive delight that captures the essence of joy and merriment in every decadent bite. This luscious dessert harmonizes the velvety richness of classic cheesecake with the vibrant allure of holiday cranberries, creating a masterpiece that promises to be the crowning glory of your festive table. Let the creamy texture and burst of cranberry sweetness transport you to a world of holiday bliss, making this cheesecake the perfect finale to your seasonal celebrations.

Why should you make Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake this holiday season?

Making Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake this holiday season is a delightful choice for several reasons. Firstly, the velvety and indulgent texture of the cheesecake is a heavenly treat for your taste buds, providing a satisfyingly rich and creamy experience. Additionally, the infusion of holiday cranberries adds a burst of festive flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that captures the essence of the season. Impress your guests and loved ones with this decadent dessert, making your holiday celebrations even more memorable and delicious.

STAR-STUDDED INGREDIENTS CREAMY HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

This harmonious combination of ingredients creates a Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake that is not only visually stunning but also a decadent and festive treat for your holiday celebrations.

for the 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.

FOR THE 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.

FOR THE 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.

For the 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.

For the 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.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND PRO COOKING TIPS TO MAKE CREAMY HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

By addressing these common questions and following these pro cooking tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a flawless and delicious Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake for your festive celebrations.

Common Questions about Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake:

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for the topping?
   • Frozen cranberries can be used. Ensure they are thawed before preparing the topping.
2. How can I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
   • To minimize cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Cooling gradually also helps.
3. Is this cheesecake easily made ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! Cheesecakes often improve with refrigeration. Prepare it a day or two in advance for optimal flavor.
4. What is the purpose of the orange juice and zest in the cheesecake?
   • Orange juice and zest add a citrusy brightness that complements the richness of the cream cheese and the sourness of the cranberries, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
5. Are there other substitutions for a graham cracker crust?
   • You can use other cookie crumbs or even a different crust, like a shortbread or chocolate cookie crust.

Pro Cooking Tips for Creamy Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients:
   • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother and creamier batter.
2. Prevent Overmixing:
   • Mix the cheesecake batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks.
3. 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.
4. Chill the Cranberry Topping:
   • Allow the cranberry topping to cool before spreading it over the cheesecake to achieve a more even and set layer.
5. 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.”