Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe
This rich and creamy Cranberry Orange Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth orange-infused cream cheese filling, topped with a tangy homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a bright, festive dessert.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes including cooling and chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust and then allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a well-incorporated batter. Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Make the Cranberry Topping: While the cheesecake cools, prepare the topping by combining cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a chunky sauce. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cool and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set. Before serving, gently spread the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the cheesecake. Slice and enjoy a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- The gradual cooling step in the oven helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- The cranberry topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; just thaw frozen ones before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: cranberry orange cheesecake, holiday cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, fruit topping cheesecake, festive dessert