Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: A Festive Dessert

Introduction: There’s nothing quite like the tangy, citrusy taste of cranberry and orange to evoke the festive spirit. This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake combines these vibrant flavors in a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether for a holiday gathering or a special family dinner, this cheesecake promises to be a showstopper.

Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Sauce:

• 16 oz cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange extract

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon orange extract
• Orange food coloring (optional)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional)
• 2-3 drops orange food coloring

Directions:

1. Cranberry Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Crust:
   • Finely crush the graham crackers in a food processor. Add melted butter and sugar, blending until the mixture is moistened. Press this mixture onto the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Spread half of the cooled cranberry sauce over the crust. Freeze while you prepare the filling.
3. Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then add vanilla and orange extract, and a few drops of orange food coloring until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon the filling over the cranberry layer in the crust. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
4. Topping:
   • Mix whipped cream with orange food coloring. Once the cheesecake is set, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen it, then remove the sides of the springform pan. Spread the remaining cranberry sauce in the center and pipe the colored whipped cream around the edges.

Preparation Time: 400 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Conclusion: This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Its creamy texture, combined with the zesty cranberry and bright orange flavors, makes it an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Enjoy creating and indulging in this delightful cheesecake!

Print