Cranberry Citrus Delight Cheesecake
This stunning Cranberry Citrus Delight Cheesecake is a show-stopper that brings a harmonious blend of tangy lemon and tart cranberry together in one delicious dessert. Awarded a prize in a local dairy recipe contest, this cheesecake showcases the bright flavors of freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, perfectly complemented by a smooth, creamy filling. The beautiful swirls of vibrant cranberry sauce make it as visually appealing as it is tasty, perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity that will leave your guests craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup
Cream cheese
2 lbs (at room temperature)
Sugar
1 cup
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Eggs
3
Sour cream
1 cup
Jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with two layers of aluminum foil for protection against water.
2
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with graham cracker crumbs until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
3
In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Add in the cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs, processing until fully combined. Finally, mix in the sour cream until you achieve a smooth consistency.
4
Reserve 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture and pour the remaining filling over the pressed crust in the springform pan.
5
In a separate small bowl or food processor, blend the reserved cream cheese mixture with the jellied cranberry sauce until smooth and well combined.
6
Drizzle the cranberry mixture over the top of the cheesecake in a spiral pattern. Using a chopstick or skewer, gently swirl through the cranberry and cheesecake layers to create a beautiful marbled effect.
7
Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish. Fill the larger dish halfway with warm water to create a water bath, which helps to bake the cheesecake evenly.
8
Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out slightly moist but not wet. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
9
After cooling, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
10
Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Citrus Delight Cheesecake?
It is an award-winning dessert that features a harmonious blend of tangy lemon and tart cranberry in a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling.
What flavor profile can I expect from this cheesecake?
The cheesecake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity from fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vibrant cranberry swirls.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, this recipe was awarded a prize in a local dairy recipe contest.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You will need a 9-inch springform pan.
How should I prepare the springform pan?
Butter the pan and wrap the outside with two layers of aluminum foil to protect it against the water bath.
What ingredients make up the crust?
The crust consists of 3 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs.
How much cream cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 pounds of cream cheese at room temperature.
Is a food processor necessary for the filling?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and creamy.
What other ingredients are added to the cream cheese mixture?
Cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream are added to the filling.
How many eggs are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs.
How much lemon zest should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
How do you create the cranberry swirl effect?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture, blend it with jellied cranberry sauce, drizzle it over the cheesecake, and swirl with a chopstick.
What type of cranberry sauce is used?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of jellied cranberry sauce.
How do you set up a water bath for the cheesecake?
Place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish halfway with warm water.
What is the purpose of the water bath?
A water bath helps the cheesecake to bake evenly and prevents cracking.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
How do I check if the cheesecake is done?
The center should be set, and a toothpick inserted should come out slightly moist but not wet.
What is the cooling process inside the oven?
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
Does the cheesecake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, after cooling to room temperature, it should be covered and refrigerated overnight.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar.
Is cornstarch used in the recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch are included in the filling mixture.
What kind of lemon juice is recommended?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream.
Can I use a skewer instead of a chopstick for marbling?
Yes, a chopstick or a skewer can be used to gently swirl the layers.
Why is the cream cheese used at room temperature?
Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
What are the recommended occasions for this dessert?
It is perfect for holiday gatherings, special celebrations, or any special occasion.
What is the role of vanilla extract in this recipe?
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the cheesecake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Why should the cheesecake be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up properly.