Zesty Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe for Holiday Joy

Decadent desserts often spark joy in unexpected moments, and this luscious cranberry orange cheesecake recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Creamy textures mingle with bright citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Zesty orange essence weaves through rich cream cheese, while tart cranberries add a vibrant crimson splash to each delectable slice.

The smooth, velvety filling rests on a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles perfectly with every forkful.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a stunning masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this show-stopping cheesecake and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 413 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create a vibrant, zesty base with natural pectin for perfect sauce consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances cranberries' tartness and helps create a glossy, smooth sauce texture.
• Orange Extract: Adds bright citrus depth and enhances the cranberry's natural flavor profile.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, buttery foundation with delightful crunch and nutty undertones.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds crumbs together and creates a rich, golden-brown crispy base.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps crumb mixture hold its shape perfectly.

• Cream Cheese, Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers ultra-creamy, luxurious texture with smooth, decadent mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Ensures silky sweetness without granular texture and stabilizes whipped components.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting background flavor that complements tangy cream cheese.
• Orange Extract: Infuses subtle citrus brightness and elevates overall flavor complexity.
• Orange Food Coloring: Optional touch for vibrant, sunset-inspired visual appeal.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy finishing touch that adds elegant presentation and creamy contrast.
• Orange Food Coloring: Optional artistic accent for visual intrigue and festive flair.

Tools Needed for Baking Cranberry Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: 9-inch essential for creating and releasing cheesecake easily.
• Food Processor: Perfect for crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for cooking cranberry sauce.
• Medium Bowls: Use two for mixing cream cheese and whipping cream.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Necessary for whipping cream to soft and stiff peaks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula: Great for folding cream and spreading mixtures.
• Piping Bag: Optional but helpful for decorating with whipped cream.
• Thin Knife: Needed to loosen cheesecake edges before serving.

Instructions for Orange Cheesecake Base

• Cranberry Sauce Preparation

Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar in a small pan until they burst and create a vibrant, glossy sauce. Allow the mixture to cool completely before using.

• Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid base for the cheesecake.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then gently fold in whipped cream infused with delicate hints of vanilla and orange. The mixture should be light and airy, creating a cloud-like texture.

• Layering and Chilling

Pour the creamy filling over the cranberry-glazed crust. Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

• Decorative Finale

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Drizzle remaining cranberry sauce across the top and pipe delicate swirls of orange-tinted whipped cream around the edges for a stunning presentation.

Flavoring & Baking Tips

• Festive Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the cranberry sauce for an adult twist.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator to lock in freshness.
• Cranberry Creativity: Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or use a mix of both for extra texture and intense berry flavor.
• Crust Alternatives: Experiment with different cookie bases like gingersnaps or chocolate wafers to create unique flavor profiles that complement the orange and cranberry notes.
• Decorative Touches: Use candied orange peels or fresh cranberries as a beautiful garnish to elevate the cheesecake's visual appeal and add a pop of color and extra zesty flavor.

Ways to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake

• Festive Presentation Platter: Create a stunning holiday dessert centerpiece by placing the cheesecake on a beautiful wooden board decorated with fresh orange slices, whole cranberries, and sprigs of mint for a vibrant, seasonal look.
• Elegant Serving Style: Slice the cheesecake into clean, precise wedges using a warm knife for smooth cuts. Garnish each slice with a small dollop of extra whipped cream and a few fresh cranberries to add a pop of color and texture.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, tangy cheesecake with a crisp prosecco or a warm cup of orange-spiced tea. These drinks will enhance the citrusy notes and balance the creamy dessert's intensity.
• Gifting Gourmet Option: Package individual slices in clear gift boxes tied with festive ribbons for a delightful homemade dessert gift that's perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful present for friends and family.

Cheesecake Storage Tips for Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture absorption and flavor contamination. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its delightful texture and taste intact.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices stay delicious for 2-3 months and can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake 1-2 days before serving. This waiting period allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more intensely delicious dessert. Keep refrigerated and add fresh toppings just before serving.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight warming helps soften the texture, making each bite creamy and more enjoyable. Garnish with fresh orange zest or cranberries for an extra pop of flavor.

Creamy Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange cheesecake delivers a festive fusion of tangy citrus and sweet-tart berries atop a buttery graham cracker base. Creamy layers meld winter’s finest flavors, promising a delightful dessert that welcomes holiday celebrations with pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 16 oz (454 g) cranberries
• 2.5 cups (250 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsps (50 g) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 0.5 tsp orange extract
• Orange food coloring (optional)
• 2–3 drops orange food coloring
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Graham Cracker Base: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then amalgamate with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a greased springform pan to create an even, compact crust.
2. Cranberry Layer: Simmer cranberries with sugar and orange extract in a saucepan until slightly thickened. Drizzle half the cooled sauce across the crust, ensuring uniform distribution. Briefly freeze the base while preparing subsequent components.
3. Cream Cheese Filling: Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then enhance with vanilla, orange extract, and a hint of orange food coloring until stiff peaks form.
4. Filling Integration: Delicately fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese base, maintaining a light, airy texture. Spread the filling evenly over the cranberry-layered crust, creating a smooth surface.
5. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting. Once set, gently loosen the edges using a thin knife and remove the springform pan sides.
6. Decorative Finish: Tint additional whipped cream with orange food coloring. Artfully spread the remaining cranberry sauce in the cheesecake’s center and pipe the colored whipped cream around the perimeter for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure a perfectly set, creamy texture that slices cleanly.
• Crumb Consistency Matters: Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together when serving.
• Fold Gently: When combining whipped cream and cream cheese, use a light folding technique to maintain the airy, delicate consistency of the filling.
• Color and Flavor Boost: Use orange extract and a touch of food coloring to enhance both the taste and visual appeal of the cheesecake, creating a vibrant and appetizing dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 413
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg