Dreamy Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Tangy Joy

Cranberry orange cheesecake combines tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible elegance.

Rich cream cheese provides a luxurious canvas for vibrant citrus and tart berry notes.

Seasonal ingredients upgrade this dessert into a festive centerpiece that captivates both eyes and taste buds.

Smooth, velvety textures contrast beautifully with bright fruit accents, creating a sophisticated and memorable treat.

Holiday gatherings deserve something extraordinary that sparks conversation and delights guests with unexpected flavor combinations.

Winter’s most compelling dessert merges traditional baking techniques with modern culinary creativity.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises a sensory experience that elevates any special occasion.

Best Tips to Achieve the Perfect Bake

• Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a smooth, compact crust that holds together beautifully.
• Control Cranberry Consistency: Simmer sauce at low heat to prevent burning and ensure a thick, glossy texture that spreads easily on the cheesecake.
• Whip Cream Technique: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff, stable peaks faster and maintain its structure.
• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature and mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause surface cracks.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cheesecake for the full recommended time to set completely, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become wonderfully creamy.

Refrigeration and Storage Advice That Works

• Refrigerate: Carefully wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Freeze: Slice the cheesecake, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, preserving its delightful taste and texture.
• Thaw: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its smooth, velvety consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesecake Enjoyment

• Sip Festive Citrus Cocktails: Pair this cranberry orange cheesecake with a refreshing orange martini or a zesty mimosa that complements the bright citrus notes and enhances the dessert's tangy flavor profile.
• Serve Warm Spiced Beverages: Enjoy the cheesecake alongside a steaming mug of chai latte or spiced orange tea, which will create a cozy contrast with the cool, creamy dessert and highlight its subtle orange undertones.
• Match with Complementary Dessert Wines: Select a sweet Riesling or a light port wine that will harmonize with the cranberry's tartness and the cheesecake's rich, smooth texture, creating a delightful after-dinner experience.
• Create Savory Cheese Board Companions: Serve small slices alongside mild brie or goat cheese to balance the dessert's sweetness and provide a sophisticated palate-cleansing accompaniment that enhances the overall tasting experience.

Fresh Takes on the Classic Cranberry Orange Combo

• Cranberry Citrus Cheesecake Bars: Transform the recipe into portable bars by using a rectangular baking pan and cutting into small squares after chilling, perfect for easy serving at parties.
• No-Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: Skip the baking process entirely by using gelatin to set the filling, creating a lighter, more refreshing summer dessert option.
• Mini Cranberry Cheesecake Cups: Prepare the recipe in individual ramekins or cupcake liners for personalized single-serve treats that are elegant and convenient for gatherings.
• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: Replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

What Makes Cranberry Orange Cheesecake a Standout

• Burst with Festive Flavor: This cranberry orange cheesecake delivers a vibrant holiday-inspired taste with tangy cranberries and bright citrus notes that dance on your palate.
• Luxurious Layered Texture: Each slice offers a delightful contrast between the crumbly graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and glossy cranberry sauce topping.
• Quick and Easy Elegance: With simple preparation steps and minimal baking required, this dessert looks sophisticated while being surprisingly manageable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The recipe allows for overnight chilling, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and preparing desserts in advance for special gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients for a Cheesecake with Bright Citrus Notes

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that create the sauce's zesty base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the cranberries' natural tartness.
• Orange Extract: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to complement the cranberries.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet, and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter, Sugar: Bind the crust together and enhance its rich, sweet flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that gives the cheesecake its signature texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky-smooth filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and adds richness.
• Orange Extract: Provides a subtle citrus note to the filling.
• Orange Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to give a soft orange hue to the cheesecake.

• Whipped Cream, Orange Food Coloring: Optional garnish to add a decorative and creamy finish.

The Method to Prepare This Creamy and Tangy Dessert

Step 1: Prepare Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Orange extract

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

• Graham crackers
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar

Crush graham crackers in food processor until fine. Melt butter and mix with crushed crackers and sugar until perfectly combined. Press mixture firmly into bottom of greased 9-inch springform pan. Spread half of cooled cranberry sauce over crust. Freeze while preparing next layer.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Orange extract
• Orange food coloring

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Add vanilla, orange extract, and food coloring. Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture.

Step 4: Assemble Cheesecake

Spoon filling over cranberry-covered crust. Smooth top with spatula. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight until completely set.

Step 5: Decorate and Finish

• Whipped cream
• Orange food coloring

Run knife around pan edges to loosen. Remove springform pan sides. Spread remaining cranberry sauce in center. Pipe colored whipped cream around edges for stunning presentation.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange cheesecake delivers festive holiday magic with zesty citrus and tart berries dancing across a silky cream cheese canvas. Festive dessert lovers will savor each creamy, tangy slice that brings seasonal cheer to any celebration.

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Ingredients

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Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Ingredients:

Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon orange extract
• Orange food coloring (optional)

Crust:

• 2.5 cups (250 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons (50 grams) sugar

Cranberry Sauce:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cranberries
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange extract

Topping:

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

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Instructions

1. Craft the cranberry sauce by gently simmering cranberries with sugar and orange extract in a saucepan until slightly thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, then integrate melted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes cohesive and moist.
3. Transfer the graham cracker mixture into a greased springform pan, pressing firmly to create an even crust layer.
4. Drizzle half of the cooled cranberry sauce across the prepared crust, ensuring uniform coverage.
5. Place the crust with cranberry layer into the freezer while preparing the filling.
6. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar together until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
7. Separately whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then enhance with vanilla, orange extract, and a hint of orange food coloring, continuing to whip until stiff peaks develop.
8. Delicately fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese base, maintaining a light, airy texture.
9. Carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the cranberry-layered crust, creating a smooth surface.
10. Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow complete setting.
11. Prepare the topping by tinting whipped cream with additional orange food coloring.
12. Once set, gently loosen the cheesecake edges using a thin knife and remove the springform pan sides.
13. Artfully spread the remaining cranberry sauce in the center of the cheesecake.
14. Pipe the colored whipped cream around the perimeter for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Lock in the tangy-sweet balance by cooking cranberries with orange extract precisely for 10 minutes to create a vibrant sauce foundation.
• Graham cracker crust transforms into a sturdy, buttery base that captures the cranberry sauce’s rich crimson layer before freezing for optimal texture integration.
• Whipped cream folded delicately into cream cheese creates a luxurious, airy filling that carries subtle orange undertones and stunning visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg