Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry cheesecake is a delightful dessert combining a creamy, airy filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. The marbled cranberry swirl adds a festive touch and a burst of tart flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup butter (melted)
• 4 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ⅔ cup jellied cranberry sauce
• Whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until everything’s evenly coated and resembles wet sand.
2. Step 2: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan, then place it in the fridge while preparing the filling.
3. Step 3: In a large chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside to keep it light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and airy.
6. Step 6: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Warm the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, whisking until smooth and spreadable.
8. Step 8: Drop spoonfuls of the warmed cranberry sauce over the cheesecake and use a knife to swirl it through the filling for a marbled effect.
9. Step 9: Chill the cheesecake in the fridge or freezer for at least 4 hours until set and sliceable.
10. Step 10: Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier crust, toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.
• If you prefer a tangier cheesecake, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Try using fresh cranberry sauce instead of jellied for a chunkier texture and fresher taste.
• To make individual servings, prepare the crust and filling in small jars or ramekins and swirl in cranberry sauce before chilling.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. If frozen, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain texture and safety.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs or digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Since this recipe uses no baking, cracking is unlikely. However, always ensure the cream cheese is fully softened and gently fold in whipped cream to maintain a smooth texture.

Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 214 reviews

This Cranberry Cheesecake is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cream cheese filling lightened with whipped cream, and a beautiful marbled cranberry sauce swirl. It’s a perfect festive treat for celebrations and holiday gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup butter (melted)

Filling

• 4 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Topping

• ⅔ cup jellied cranberry sauce
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Chill it in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to help it set.
2. Whip the cream: In a large chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for a light, airy cheesecake texture. Set aside once ready.
3. Make the cream cheese base: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the white sugar until completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free. This ensures a silky cheesecake filling.
4. Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and sugar mixture in batches, folding carefully to maintain the airy texture and fully incorporate both mixtures.
5. Assemble the cheesecake: Evenly spread the creamy cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a clean finish.
6. Prepare cranberry swirl: Warm the jellied cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the sauce is smooth and easily spreadable.
7. Swirl cranberry sauce: Spoon dollops of the warmed cranberry sauce over the cheesecake filling. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the sauce through the filling to create a marbled effect.
8. Chill the cheesecake: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and sliceable. For faster setting, you may use the freezer, but avoid freezing completely.
9. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, decorate the cheesecake with additional whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for a festive and elegant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy beating and a smooth filling.
• Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form is crucial for the light, fluffy texture of the cheesecake.
• If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan but the cheesecake may be harder to remove.
• Allow enough chilling time so the cheesecake is firm for slicing.
• Use fresh rosemary sparingly as its flavor can be strong; it’s mainly for garnish and aroma.
• You can substitute fresh cranberry sauce if jellied is not available, adjusting sweetness as needed.

Keywords: cranberry cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, holiday dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, festive desserts