Cranberry Orange Cheesecake combines the zesty sweetness of oranges and the tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, making it a festive and colorful dessert. This cheesecake features a classic graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling infused with fresh orange zest, and a vibrant cranberry glaze on top. The combination of flavors is both refreshing and decadent, perfect for holiday celebrations or as an elegant finale to a special meal.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the filling:
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 4 large eggs
- For the cranberry glaze:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Pour over the crust.
- Bake the cheesecake: Place in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the cranberry glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cool and spread over the cooled cheesecake.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving.
This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is not only delicious but also a visually striking dessert that’s sure to be a hit during the holiday season.
