Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake
This rich, festive Cranberry Cheesecake combines classic flavor with a homemade cranberry compote-infused layer above a crust sweetly made with light brown sugar and graham crackers.
Top it all off with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream for a tempting treat that tastes as good as it looks – this will become one of your favorite Cheesecake Recipes.
This cranberry cheesecake combines a bright homemade cranberry compote, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a rich creamy filling to create a stunning holiday dessert bursting with festive flavor, which will easily become one of your favorite Christmas Recipes.
A special thanks to C&H Sugar for this holiday sweet recipe.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Cheesecake brings together tangy cranberries, creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust for a stunning holiday-worthy dessert.
- Vibrant homemade cranberry compote: Fresh cranberries simmer with brown sugar and orange for a bright, flavorful swirl.
- Rich, velvety cheesecake texture: Cream cheese, cane sugar, eggs and sour cream create a smooth and luxurious filling.
- Beautiful layered look: The cranberry-infused batter and classic cheesecake batter bake into a gorgeous two-tone presentation.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweetness from the sugars and tartness from the cranberries make every slice feel festive without being overly rich.
- A show-stopping finish: Fresh cranberries, sugared cranberries, rosemary and whipped cream turn the cake into an impressive centerpiece.
This recipe creates a creamy, jewel-toned cheesecake that tastes as elegant as it looks.
What Pairs with this Cheesecake
This rich and festive Cranberry Cheesecake pairs beautifully with dishes and drinks that complement its creamy texture and bright, citrus-kissed cranberry flavor.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: Its crisp bubbles and light sweetness cut through the richness of the cheesecake while enhancing the tart cranberry notes.
- Roasted Pecans: Their warm, toasty flavor and satisfying crunch add a lovely contrast to the silky cheesecake.
- White Chocolate Bark: The creamy sweetness pairs effortlessly with the tart compote and adds a beautiful holiday touch to your dessert spread.
- Orange Shortbread Cookies: The citrus in the shortbread echoes the orange zest in the compote for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Vanilla Chai Latte: The warm spices complement the cranberry and cream cheese while keeping the pairing cozy and comforting.
These pairing ideas help turn your Cranberry Cheesecake into a complete holiday dessert experience guests will remember.
How to Pick Fresh Cranberries at the Grocery Store
When selecting fresh cranberries at the grocery store, follow these tips to ensure you pick the best ones:
Look for Firmness: Gently squeeze the cranberries to check for firmness. Fresh cranberries should feel firm to the touch and not mushy or soft. Avoid any bags or containers with cranberries that have signs of spoilage or decay.
Check for Vibrant Color: Choose cranberries that have a vibrant, deep red color. While some may have a slight pink hue, avoid cranberries that appear dull or brownish, as this may indicate they are not as fresh.
Inspect for Plumpness: Fresh cranberries should be plump and round. Avoid bags or containers with cranberries that look shriveled or have wrinkles, as these may be past their prime.
Avoid Wet or Leaky Packages: Check the package for any signs of moisture or leaking. Wet cranberries can quickly spoil and develop mold, so it’s best to choose packages that are dry and free from any leaks.
Check the Date: If the cranberries are packed in bags with expiration or “best by” dates, make sure to choose the freshest option available. This ensures that you have the maximum shelf life to enjoy the cranberries at their best quality.
Consider Frozen Options: If fresh cranberries are not available or in season, consider opting for frozen cranberries. Frozen cranberries are just as nutritious and can be used in various recipes, such as sauces, smoothies, and baked goods.
By following these guidelines, you can select fresh and high-quality cranberries that are perfect for enjoying in a variety of dishes and preserving for later use.
Dive into these Recipes Using Fresh Cranberries now you know how to find the perfect cranberries.
Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake
Give your holiday gatherings a new twist this year with a creamy cranberry delight that’s a cause for celebration all on its own!
With a smooth, divine taste, this creamy cheesecake will create a memorable dessert moment your family will crave year after year.
This recipe take 45 minutes to prep and an hour, 15 minutes to bake.
Don’t miss out on our other mouth-watering Cheesecake Recipes.
Cheesecake Ingredients:
Cranberry Compote:
- fresh cranberries
- C&H Light Brown Sugar
- orange juice
- grated orange zest
Crust:
- graham cracker crumbs
- unsalted butter
- C&H Light Brown Sugar
- salt
Cheesecake:
- cream cheese
- C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar
- all-purpose flour
- pure vanilla extract
- salt
- large eggs
- sour cream
- cranberry compote
Additional ingredients:
- fresh cranberries
- sugared cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
- whipped cream
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need To Make This Recipe
Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Medium saucepan: to cook the cranberry compote.
- Zester or microplane: to zest the orange.
- Citrus juicer: to squeeze the fresh orange juice.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula: for stirring the compote and crust mixture.
- 8-inch springform pan: to bake the cheesecake.
- Parchment paper: to line the bottom of the pan.
- Mixing bowls: for the crust, cheesecake batter, and cranberry mixture.
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment: to beat the cream cheese and mix the batter smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient portions.
- Roasting pan: to create the water bath for baking.
- Aluminum foil: to wrap the springform pan and prevent leaks.
- Kettle or heatproof container: to pour hot water into the roasting pan.
- Cooling rack: to rest the cheesecake after baking.
- Knife or offset spatula: for releasing and decorating the cheesecake.
With these tools ready to go, you’ll bake a stunning cheesecake that slices beautifully and steals the show!
More Cheesecake Recipes
Indulge in more cheesecake recipes that highlight rich flavors and irresistible creamy texture.
- Lemon Cheesecake
- Honey Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
- Cheesecake Cupcakes
- Keto Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Cookie Cups
- Snickers Cheesecake
- Biscoff Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake
- Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake Copycat
Cranberry Cheesecake
This rich, festive Cranberry Cheesecake combines classic flavor with a homemade cranberry compote-infused layer above a crust sweetly made with light brown sugar and graham crackers.
Ingredients
Cranberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup C&H Light Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons C&H Light Brown Sugar
Cheesecake:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup cranberry compote
Additional ingredients:
- fresh cranberries
- sugared cranberries
- rosemary sprigs
- whipped cream
Instructions
To make cranberry compote:
- In medium saucepan, bring cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and orange zest to boil.
- Lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, or until most cranberries burst. Remove from heat.
- Cool completely at room temperature then transfer to bowl; refrigerate.
To make crust:
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In medium bowl, mix cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar and salt. Press crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F.
To make cheesecake:
- In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Add cane sugar and beat 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Beat 1 minute until incorporated.
- Add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add sour cream and mix 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. In medium bowl, mix half of cheesecake batter with 1/2 cup cranberry compote.
- Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil and place in large roasting pan. Pour cream cheese and cranberry mixture into prepared pan. Top with remaining cream cheese batter. Place roasting pan in oven and add hot water to 1-inch of springform pan.
- Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until cake looks set in center. Remove from oven and rest 1 hour. Refrigerate in pan overnight.
- Decorate cake with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 27gProtein: 4g
Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
