Sweet Cherry Cheesecake Recipe That Dazzles Every Time

Sweet memories often spark when I whip up this delectable cherry cheesecake that melts hearts instantly.

Creamy textures and vibrant fruit create magic on dessert plates everywhere.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with graham cracker crusts in this classic treat.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Seasonal cherries add stunning crimson highlights to the smooth white landscape.

Weeknight dinners or special celebrations become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant dessert.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite go-to sweet indulgence.

Pairing Ideas for Cherry Cheesecake

• Select a luscious moscato or late harvest riesling to complement the creamy cheesecake's richness and enhance the cherry's sweet-tart profile.
• Brew a robust espresso or cappuccino to cut through the cheesecake's richness and provide a contrasting bitter note that balances the dessert's sweetness.
• Scatter fresh raspberries or blackberries alongside the slice to add a vibrant, tangy dimension that elevates the cherry's fruity undertones and provides textural contrast.
• Dollop light, homemade vanilla-infused whipped cream on the side to add an extra layer of creamy smoothness that harmonizes with the cheesecake's velvety texture.

Storing Recommendations for Cherry Cheesecake

• Refrigerate Properly: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month without compromising taste or texture.
• Thaw Carefully: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent soggy texture and maintain quality.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Why is it important to use a water bath when baking cheesecake?

The water bath helps create a moist environment in the oven, which prevents the cheesecake from cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture by providing gentle, even heat.

• How do I know if my cheesecake is fully baked?

The edges should be set but the center will still have a slight wobble. The cheesecake continues to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking which can cause cracks and a dry texture.

• Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with other cookie crumbs like digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a unique twist on the traditional crust.

• Why do I need to add eggs one at a time when making the filling?

Classic Cherry Cheesecake

• Create Bakery-Quality Dessert: Craft a professional-level cherry cheesecake that rivals gourmet bakery offerings with professional techniques and precise instructions.
• Master Low-Stress Baking: Follow straightforward, step-by-step guidance that breaks down complex cheesecake preparation into manageable stages, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Celebration Centerpiece: Design a stunning dessert ideal for special gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or elegant entertaining that guarantees impressed guests and delighted taste buds.
• Enjoy Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this delectable dessert in advance, allowing complete flexibility for busy schedules while ensuring maximum flavor development through overnight refrigeration.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the rich cream cheese flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, buttery texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy character.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the texture and adds a subtle tanginess to the filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the cream cheese's richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the creamy base.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, custard-like texture of the cheesecake.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Add a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Offers a sweet and fruity topping that adds color and additional flavor to the dessert.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Vessel

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly with butter, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Foundation

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom and slightly up the sides.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Step 3: Set Up Moisture Environment

Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place a large baking dish filled with hot water on the lower oven rack to create a humid baking atmosphere.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Filling

Using a mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Incorporate eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing minimally between each addition.

Step 5: Bake Cheesecake

Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the surface.

Bake for 70 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open with a wooden spoon for one hour.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Transfer cheesecake to a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

Remove springform pan sides and generously spread cherry pie filling on top.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Enjoy chilled.

Refrigerate any remaining slices immediately.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cherry Cheesecake

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Use a water bath technique to prevent cracking and achieve a silky, creamy texture for your cheesecake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to maintain a light, delicate consistency.
• Chill the cheesecake overnight for maximum flavor development and easier slicing.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.

Variations to Enhance Cherry Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic dessert's rich texture.
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake: Skip the oven entirely by using gelatin to set the cream cheese mixture, creating a lighter, cooler summer-friendly dessert that requires minimal preparation.
• Vegan Cherry Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, replace eggs with silken tofu, and use coconut cream to create a plant-based alternative that delivers creamy indulgence without animal products.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Cheesecake: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use a sugar-free cherry topping to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile for health-conscious individuals.

Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy New York-style cherry cheesecake blends rich cream cheese with sweet cherry compote. Guests will savor each delectable slice, experiencing classic dessert perfection that leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

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• 32 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 7 tbsps butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly butter a 9-inch springform pan, covering bottom and sides up to 1½ inches.
2. Create graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into pan bottom and slightly up sides. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Place a large water-filled baking dish on lower oven rack to create moisture and prevent surface cracking.
4. Using a mixer, cream cheese and sugar until smooth, scraping bowl periodically. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest until well blended. Gradually add eggs at low speed, mixing minimally between each addition.
5. Pour filling into cooled crust, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for 70 minutes. After baking, turn off oven and slightly open door using a wooden spoon. Allow cheesecake to rest inside for 1 hour.
6. Transfer cheesecake to wire rack and cool completely. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 6 hours or overnight. Carefully loosen edges with a thin knife before removing springform pan sides.
7. Garnish with cherry pie filling just before serving. Keep refrigerated and consume chilled.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring a compact and stable base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Technique involves bringing cream cheese to room temperature and beating at medium speed to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth filling without overmixing.
• Water Bath Hack helps create a moist baking environment, preventing surface cracks and ensuring a creamy, crack-free cheesecake texture by placing a large pan of hot water on the lower oven rack.
• Dietary Modification options include using gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version or substituting low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter, reduced-calorie dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 195 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg