Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake

When my daughter was 4 months old, my husband and I hosted both our families for Christmas dinner. I served this cheesecake for dessert. It's quite festive and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake

Average Rating: 5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Bake: 45 min. + chilling
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

  • FILLING:
  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • TOPPING:
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1-1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 6-8 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
  • 2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the orange juice and zest, vanilla and cinnamon. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour filling over crust.
  • 3. Return pan to baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
  • 4. In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Combine cornstarch and orange juice until smooth; stir into cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • 5. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. Stir in pecans. Spoon over cheesecake. Refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 537 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.