Imagine diving into a slice of Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, where the smooth, creamy filling dances on your tongue, harmonizing with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the zesty brightness of oranges. Each bite is like a little celebration, a flavor party that erupts with every forkful. no-bake pumpkin cheesecake The vibrant colors alone could win an award for best visual appeal at any gathering, and if you close your eyes while savoring it, you might just hear the angels singing. pumpkin whipped cream pumpkin cheesecake bars.
This delightful dessert isn’t just about indulgence; it’s wrapped in memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. I remember the first time I made this cheesecake for Thanksgiving; my cousin took one bite and did a happy dance right in the kitchen. That moment solidified its place as a family favorite, perfect for festive occasions or simply to brighten a Tuesday evening. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Crescent Ring recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is both easy to prepare and impressive enough to wow guests
- The flavor combination offers a refreshing twist, making it memorable
- With its striking appearance, this cheesecake will steal the spotlight on any dessert table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it’s perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers
I whipped up this cheesecake last year for our annual holiday bash, and let me tell you—everyone talked about it long after the last crumb was devoured.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your crust; choose finely crushed ones for better texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind the crumbs together perfectly; don’t skimp on quality!
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the filling beautifully; feel free to use less if desired. sweet candied walnuts.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang; opt for full-fat for the richest flavor.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works here; just ensure they’re not too bitter.
- Oranges (Zest and Juice): Freshly grated zest elevates flavors while juice adds brightness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors and brings warmth to your cheesecake.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake—use large eggs at room temperature.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake your crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while beating until well combined and fluffy—this step ensures no lumps remain!
Add Flavor Components: Mix in sour cream, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest until fully incorporated. This mixture should smell divine!
Add Eggs Gently: One by one, add eggs into your mixture while blending on low speed until just combined. Avoid overbeating; we want that creamy goodness without air bubbles!
Bake Your Cheesecake: Pour your luscious filling over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center—like a fun dance move!
Once cooled at room temperature for at least an hour, chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. This time allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Enjoy sharing this delightful Cranberry Orange Cheesecake with friends or family—it’ll bring smiles all around! For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Shortbread Bars recipe.
You Must Know
- The secret to a perfect Cranberry Orange Cheesecake lies in the balance of tangy cranberries and sweet oranges
- This dessert is creamy yet light, making it a delightful end to any meal
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks stunning on any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while the oven preheats, then make the filling. Pour it over the crust and bake until set, ensuring even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or add a hint of ginger for extra zing. Experiment with citrus zest for added depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent cracks
- Chill your cheesecake overnight for optimal flavor and texture enhancements that friends will rave about!
Creating this Cranberry Orange Cheesecake was a whirlwind of laughter and flour, especially when my cat decided to “help” by batting at stray ingredients on the counter.
FAQ
Can I make Cranberry Orange Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance for convenience.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To avoid cracks, don’t overmix after adding eggs and bake at a lower temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers of this cheesecake?
Freezing is possible! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is a vibrant dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the zestiness of oranges. This easy-to-make cheesecake not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly, making it perfect for any occasion—from holiday feasts to cozy weeknight dinners. With its rich flavors and bright appearance, this cheesecake will surely be the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake crust for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Add sour cream, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest; mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed to avoid overmixing.
- Pour filling over the cooled crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature for an hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
