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Holiday Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

This showstopping holiday cheesecake combines tangy cream cheese with fresh orange zest and a homemade cranberry swirl. Baked in a water bath for the perfect texture, it's ideal for special occasions.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:36:38 GMT
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A creamy cheesecake with a cranberry topping and a slice removed, revealing its layered texture. Pin it
A creamy cheesecake with a cranberry topping and a slice removed, revealing its layered texture. | quickierecipe.com

Let me share my absolute favorite holiday dessert with you! This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake brings together the most wonderful combination of tart cranberries and bright citrus notes. I developed this recipe after years of holiday baking and it's become the star of my dessert table. The creamy filling swirled with vibrant cranberry creates such a stunning presentation that always makes my guests smile.

A Perfect Holiday Treat

Every time I make this cheesecake my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma. The sweet citrus combined with tangy cranberries creates something truly magical. I love how the graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of buttery crunch to complement the silky smooth filling. My family starts requesting this dessert as soon as cranberries appear in stores.

What You'll Need

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: I always keep extra on hand during the holidays these make the perfect crust base.
  • Butter: The key to a crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or canned both work wonderfully here.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it's super soft for the smoothest filling.
  • Sour Cream: My secret ingredient for extra richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just enough to balance the tart cranberries.
  • Orange Zest: Fresh zest makes all the difference.
  • Eggs: These give our cheesecake that perfect texture.

Let's Make It Together

Start With Your Base
Mix those crumbs with melted butter and sugar until they feel like wet sand. Press into your pan and give it a quick bake. The smell is incredible!
Create That Silky Filling
Take your time beating the cream cheese until it's super smooth. Mix in sugar sour cream that fresh orange zest and vanilla. Add your eggs one by one they're the secret to that dreamy texture.
Add Some Swirls
Pour half your batter in then swirl in cranberry sauce. Another layer of batter more swirls and you've got a gorgeous marble effect.
Time for the Bath
Wrap your pan really well with foil pop it in a water bath and bake until it's just slightly jiggly. I always let mine cool in the oven then chill it overnight.

My Best Tips

After making this cheesecake countless times I've learned a few tricks. Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable for that silky texture. Double wrap your pan with heavy duty foil it's worth the extra step. That slow cooling in the oven prevents those pesky cracks. I love using my homemade cranberry sauce but store bought works beautifully too.

Dress It Up

My favorite way to serve this beauty is with a crown of fresh whipped cream and sugared cranberries. The extra drizzle of cranberry sauce on each plate makes it look so fancy. When I host holiday dinners I love pairing slices with coffee or a sweet dessert wine.

Keep It Fresh

This cheesecake keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days just wrap it well. Sometimes I make it ahead and freeze individual slices they thaw perfectly overnight. Such a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons!

Make It Your Own

The cranberry sauce is your chance to get creative! I love adding orange juice and warm spices to mine. When time is tight I grab a can from the store and nobody can tell the difference. Just make sure to blend it smooth for those pretty swirls.

A sliced cheesecake topped with a layer of cranberry sauce and whole cranberries sits on a silver platter. Pin it
A sliced cheesecake topped with a layer of cranberry sauce and whole cranberries sits on a silver platter. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to use a water bath?
A water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking. The moist environment and gentle heat create a silky smooth texture.
→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made 2-3 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day of chilling.
→ Why do ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly and evenly. Cold ingredients can lead to lumpy batter and uneven baking.
→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can make your own cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries. Cook them with sugar and water until thickened before using in the recipe.
→ How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Follow the slow cooling method in the oven and avoid opening the door. The gradual temperature change prevents the surface from cracking.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

A rich, creamy cheesecake infused with orange zest and swirled with cranberry sauce. The perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
100 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 10-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs.
02 ⅓ cup granulated sugar.
03 ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted.
04 1 pinch salt.
05 2 pounds (4 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature.
06 1 ½ cups granulated sugar.
07 8 ounces sour cream, room temperature.
08 5 large eggs, room temperature.
09 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
10 2 tablespoons orange zest.
11 1 (12-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce or 1 ½ cups homemade.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray.

Step 02

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and sour cream, mix until combined. Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest, beat until just combined.

Step 04

Blend cranberry sauce until smooth.

Step 05

Layer half cheesecake batter, half cranberry puree, remaining batter, then remaining puree. Swirl top with knife.

Step 06

Wrap springform pan in foil. Place in roasting pan and fill with 1½ inches hot water.

Step 07

Bake 1-1½ hours until slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour without opening door.

Step 08

Remove from oven, remove foil. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours.

Notes

  1. Water bath prevents cracking and ensures even baking.
  2. All ingredients should be at room temperature for best results.
  3. Can be made 2-3 days ahead of serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 10-inch springform pan.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Large roasting pan.
  • Blender.
  • Heavy duty aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (graham crackers).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 577
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 8 g