Cranberry Orange Cheesecake – A Festive Holiday Delight

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is the ultimate holiday dessert. With its creamy, velvety filling, tart cranberry swirl, and a bright burst of citrus, this cheesecake brings a perfect balance of flavors to the table. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a classic touch, while the cranberry-orange combination makes it uniquely refreshing and festive. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: Sweet orange zest meets tart cranberry for a refreshing twist.
Creamy & Dreamy: Smooth cheesecake filling baked to perfection.
Beautiful Presentation: A swirl of cranberry sauce makes it look bakery-worthy.
Perfect for Celebrations: An elegant centerpiece dessert that wows every time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 24 oz light cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Swirl:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

1. Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.

2. Prepare Cranberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Cool slightly, then blend until smooth.

3. Mix Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in sour cream, flour, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour filling over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the top and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.

5. Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

6. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight, for best texture.

7. Serve
Slice, garnish with fresh cranberries or orange zest if desired, and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth filling without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Keeps the cheesecake creamy and prevents cracks.
• Water Bath Option: Place springform pan in a roasting pan with hot water for an extra smooth bake.
• Plan Ahead: Cheesecake needs time to chill, so make it the day before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The tart cranberry swirl cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, while orange zest brightens each bite. The graham cracker crust adds crunch, creating a well-balanced, flavorful dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake is a show-stopping holiday dessert that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite. With its festive colors and irresistible taste, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday table—or anytime you want a cheesecake with a refreshing twist.