Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is like a sweet hug from the holidays wrapped in creamy goodness. Imagine the tartness of fresh cranberries dancing with the zesty brightness of oranges, all topped atop a velvety cheesecake that melts in your mouth. zesty creamsicle cookies This delightful dessert doesn’t just sit pretty on your table; it serenades your taste buds, making every bite an occasion to celebrate.
Picture this: You’re at a festive gathering, laughter fills the air, and someone brings out this stunning Cranberry Orange Cheesecake. Suddenly, everyone’s attention shifts to it, like moths to a flame, and you realize that you’ve hit the jackpot of desserts. strawberry cheesecake dump cake Whether it’s Thanksgiving or an impromptu holiday party, this cheesecake is bound to steal the show and create delicious memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
- Expect a flavor profile that balances tart and sweet, creating an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Its vibrant colors make it a visual masterpiece that adds flair to any table setting.
- Not just for holidays, enjoy this cheesecake year-round for any celebration!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These serve as the base for your cheesecake crust. Choose finely crushed crumbs for an even texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together and adds richness; ensure it’s unsalted to control salt levels.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient adds tanginess and creaminess; opt for full-fat sour cream for best results.
- Fresh Oranges: Zest and juice them for a burst of citrus flavor that lifts the cheesecake.
- Fresh Cranberries: These provide tartness; feel free to use frozen if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together; use large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing.
For the Topping:
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the topping without adding grittiness—perfect for a smooth finish.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar until well-blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until incorporated. Mix in orange zest and juice until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Eggs
One at a time, add eggs into your cream cheese mixture while mixing on low speed. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one—this ensures a silky texture in your cheesecake.
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries
Carefully fold in fresh cranberries into your cheesecake batter with a spatula. This step adds bursts of tartness throughout! You can reserve some cranberries for garnish too if you want to be fancy.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the filling over your prepared crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow your cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for at least four hours (or overnight if you can resist!). When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra cranberries!
Transfer slices onto plates and watch as everyone dives in with wide-eyed delight—your culinary masterpiece has arrived!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry orange cheesecake combines creamy richness with zesty brightness, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Its stunning presentation and vibrant flavors will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
- Plus, it’s easier to make than you think!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your crust first. While it cools, whip up the cheesecake filling and zest those oranges like a pro. Bake the cheesecake until just set, then chill overnight for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous. A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For maintenance of that creamy goodness, refrigerate rather than freeze because freezing can alter texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, silky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to avoid cracks on the surface.
- Always chill overnight for the best flavor and texture development.
Creating this cranberry orange cheesecake was an adventure filled with laughter and a few flour-covered mishaps in my kitchen—my friends still talk about the time I mistook salt for sugar!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake?
To make a delicious Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, you will need cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and sour cream as the base. For flavoring, add fresh cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. The crust typically consists of graham cracker crumbs combined with melted butter and sugar. These simple ingredients create a rich and tangy dessert that beautifully balances sweetness with tartness.
How long does it take to prepare Cranberry Orange Cheesecake?
Preparing a Cranberry Orange Cheesecake takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time. However, you should allow additional time for baking and cooling. The cheesecake needs to bake for approximately 60 minutes and then cool in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight for best results. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your Cranberry Orange Cheesecake recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the batter. apple cheesecake breakfast quesadillas Frozen cranberries will still provide the tart flavor you desire while making the process more convenient during off-season months.
How should I store leftover Cranberry Orange Cheesecake?
To store leftover Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. Properly stored, it can last up to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices in airtight containers for up to three months. Always thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
In summary, the Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines creamy texture with vibrant flavors. Using fresh ingredients like cranberries and oranges enhances its taste while offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes. With relatively simple preparation steps and storage options available, you can enjoy this cheesecake any time of year or share it at special gatherings. Give this recipe a try, and delight your friends and family!
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 slices 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is a festive delight that beautifully combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. Set atop a buttery graham cracker crust, this creamy cheesecake is an easy-to-make showstopper for any holiday gathering or celebration. With its vibrant colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh oranges
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Gradually add remaining sugar; mix in orange zest and juice.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed until fully incorporated. Gently fold in cranberries.
- Pour filling over crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes until just set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least four hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg