Cranberry Citrus Eggnog Cheesecake
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this Cranberry Citrus Eggnog Cheesecake, a delightful dessert that combines the richness of traditional eggnog, the tartness of fresh cranberries, and a hint of citrus zest. The vibrant red cranberries create a stunning visual contrast against the creamy cheesecake, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Adorned with a sprig of mint, this cheesecake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a luxurious treat for your taste buds. Sourced from Carolina Country magazine, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (divided for filling and cranberry mixture)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
cranberry juice
1 cup (none)
cranberries
1 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen)
graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (about 14 squares)
butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
cream cheese
4 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
eggs
4 (large)
eggnog
1 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup cranberry juice, and 1 1/2 cups cranberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
2
Once boiling, reduce heat and continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir in the melted butter until fully integrated.
4
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (about 163°C) for 10 minutes. Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack.
5
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 3 tablespoons of flour and beat well to combine.
6
Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated. Mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract, beating just until blended.
7
Pour two-thirds of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon half of the cranberry mixture over the filling, and spread it gently.
8
Carefully pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
9
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F for 60-70 minutes or until the center is almost set but slightly jiggly.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, and cool for an additional hour.
11
Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to fully set.
12
Once set, remove the sides of the springform pan and spoon the remaining cranberry mixture over the top of the cheesecake before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Citrus Eggnog Cheesecake?
It is a festive holiday dessert that combines rich eggnog, tart cranberries, and a hint of citrus zest on a graham cracker crust.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 11 main ingredients, including sugar, cornstarch, cranberry juice, cranberries, graham cracker crumbs, butter, cream cheese, flour, eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract.
What size springform pan should be used?
A 9-inch springform pan is required for this cheesecake.
Can I use frozen cranberries for the topping?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries.
How is the cranberry mixture prepared?
Combine sugar, cornstarch, cranberry juice, and cranberries in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
What ingredients make up the crust?
The crust is made from 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
How long should the graham cracker crust be baked?
The crust should be baked for 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 325°F.
How much cream cheese is needed for the filling?
The filling requires four 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, which should be softened before mixing.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the cheesecake?
The cheesecake should be baked at 325°F (approximately 163°C).
How many eggs are used in the cheesecake filling?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs, added one at a time to the mixture.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time and beat on low speed just until they are incorporated to avoid over-mixing.
How much eggnog is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of eggnog mixed into the cheesecake batter.
Is there flour in the cheesecake filling?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are beaten into the cream cheese and sugar mixture.
How do you layer the cranberry sauce within the cheesecake?
Pour two-thirds of the cheesecake filling over the crust, spoon half of the cranberry mixture over it, and then top with the remaining filling.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
The cheesecake should bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
What is the first step after taking the cheesecake out of the oven?
Let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated before serving?
The cheesecake should be refrigerated overnight to allow it to fully set.
When should the final cranberry topping be added?
The remaining cranberry mixture should be spooned over the top of the cheesecake once it has fully set and the pan sides are removed.
How many graham cracker squares are needed to make the crumbs?
Approximately 14 graham cracker squares are needed to make 1 cup of crumbs.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either melted butter or margarine.
What flavor extract is used in this recipe?
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract is used to flavor the cheesecake filling.
Where does this recipe come from?
This recipe was sourced from Carolina Country magazine.
How much sugar is used in the cranberry sauce portion?
The cranberry mixture uses part of the 1 cup of sugar allocated for the recipe; specifically, the instructions mention combining 1 cup of sugar with the juice and berries initially.
Is the cheesecake garnished with anything else?
The recipe suggests adorning the cheesecake with a sprig of mint for a visual contrast.
What type of cranberry juice should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cranberry juice, which is used to create the sauce.
What texture should the cranberry mixture have before cooling?
The mixture should be cooked until it is thickened, which takes about 2 minutes after reaching a boil.
How should the pan be prepared before adding the crust?
The 9-inch springform pan should be greased before pressing in the crumb mixture.
Do I need to cool the crust before adding the filling?
Yes, after baking the crust for 10 minutes, you should let it cool on a wire rack.
How should the cream cheese be mixed?
It should be beaten with sugar until smooth and creamy before adding other ingredients.
Does the recipe require cornstarch?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the cranberry mixture.