Festive Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe – A Holiday Showstopper

As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with warmth and joy, and homes become a canvas for festive decorations. One of the most cherished traditions during this time of year is the preparation of delightful desserts that bring family and friends together. Among the plethora of sweet treats that grace holiday tables, cheesecake stands out as a classic favorite. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a beloved dessert for any occasion, but when you add a seasonal twist like vibrant cranberries, it transforms into a showstopper that captures the essence of Christmas.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe – A Holiday Showstopper

Indulge in the holiday spirit with this Festive Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake! This creamy, decadent cheesecake features a buttery Graham cracker crust topped with a tart cranberry sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, this stunning dessert is sure to impress. Bring warmth and joy to your festive table! #ChristmasDesserts #CranberryCheesecake #HolidayBaking #FestiveTreats #CheesecakeLove #BakingJoy

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cranberry Topping:

2 cups fresh cranberries

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine Graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

- Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.

- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.

- Mix in the sour cream and lemon zest until smooth.

- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake:

- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.

- Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.

- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Cranberry Topping:

- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice.

- Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the cranberries have burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.

- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cool completely.

Assemble the Cheesecake:

- Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, pour the cooled cranberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.

- Chill for an additional hour to let the flavors meld together.

Serve:

- Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy the festive flavors of this holiday showstopper!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours (including chilling) | Servings: 12