Cranberry-Orange Delight Cheesecake
Indulge in this luscious Cranberry-Orange Delight Cheesecake, where creamy reduced-fat cream cheese meets the delightful tang of fresh oranges and the vibrant tartness of cranberries. This cheesecake combines a rich, chocolatey crust with a velvety filling, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. The infusion of orange zest elevates the flavor profile, while both dried and fresh cranberries add a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, celebrations, or simply a special treat for yourself, this cheesecake promises to impress and satisfy. Enjoy it chilled after a meal or with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
12-16
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed chocolate wafer cookie
2/3 cup (About 12 to 13 cookies, crushed)
Finely shredded orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons (Divided into 1 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Reduced-fat cream cheese
3 (8 ounce) packages (Softened)
Sugar
3/4 cup (None)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (None)
Eggs
3 (Lightly beaten)
Snipped dried cranberries
1/3 cup (None)
Reduced-calorie cranberry juice cocktail or nonfat milk
1/4 cup (None)
Fresh cranberries
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing the sides lightly.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate wafer cookies and 1 teaspoon of the finely shredded orange peel. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3
Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to create an even crust. Set aside.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and flour on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually mix in the lightly beaten eggs and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of orange peel, blending until fully incorporated.
6
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and cranberry juice or milk until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust in the springform pan. Sprinkle the coarsely chopped fresh cranberries on top for added texture and flavor.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Carefully run a small, sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.
10
Allow the cheesecake to cool for an additional 30 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Once fully cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
11
Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional cranberries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
19.6g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry-Orange Delight Cheesecake?
It is a luscious cheesecake featuring reduced-fat cream cheese, fresh oranges, and tart cranberries on a rich chocolate wafer crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 to 16 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What type of pan is required for this cheesecake?
A 9-inch springform pan is needed for this recipe.
How do I prepare the crust for the cheesecake?
Combine crushed chocolate wafer cookies, 1 teaspoon of orange peel, and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Which cookies should I use for the crust?
Use 2/3 cup of crushed chocolate wafer cookies, which is about 12 to 13 cookies.
How much orange peel is used in the crust?
Use 1 teaspoon of finely shredded orange peel in the cookie mixture.
How long should I beat the cream cheese mixture?
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until smooth.
What kind of cream cheese does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for three 8-ounce packages of softened reduced-fat cream cheese.
How many eggs are included in the batter?
The recipe requires 3 eggs, which should be lightly beaten.
How are the dried cranberries added?
Gently fold 1/3 cup of snipped dried cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
Can I substitute the cranberry juice?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of reduced-calorie cranberry juice cocktail or nonfat milk.
What is done with the fresh cranberries?
Coarsely chop 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries and sprinkle them on top of the batter before baking.
What is the baking time for this cheesecake?
Bake the cheesecake for 35 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The edges should appear set, but the center should remain slightly jiggly.
What is the initial cooling process?
Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before loosening the edges.
When should I run a knife around the pan?
Run a small, sharp knife around the edges after the initial 15-minute cooling period.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated?
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
Each slice contains 19.6g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the cheesecake?
There is 3.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?
Yes, its festive colors and flavors make it perfect for holidays and celebrations.
How should I serve the cheesecake?
Serve it chilled, optionally garnished with additional cranberries or whipped cream.
What is the total amount of orange peel needed?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely shredded orange peel is used, divided between the crust and filling.
How much sugar is required for the filling?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar.
What type of flour is used in the batter?
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to help set the filling.
How much butter is needed for the crust?
2 tablespoons of melted butter are required.
Does the recipe use chocolate?
Yes, the crust is made from crushed chocolate wafer cookies.
Can I serve this as an afternoon snack?
Absolutely, it is recommended as a delightful treat alongside a cup of coffee.