Why Make This Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and sweet cherry flavor make it a favorite among many. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cheesecake will impress your guests and bring joy to your taste buds.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping
Making Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping is easier than you might think. Follow simple steps, and you will have a delicious dessert ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Graham crackers (crumbs)
- 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
- 28.2 oz Cream cheese (room temp)
- 1 1/4 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
- 2/3 cup Sour cream
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 1/2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 lbs Cherries (pitted)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 1/4 cup of water)
Directions
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Make the Cheesecake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix the Graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the cream cheese. Mix well.
- Add the sour cream and mix again until smooth.
- Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Sprinkle in the cornstarch and combine thoroughly.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes. The center should still be slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
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Make the Cherry Cheesecake Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch mixture.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
- Allow it to cool before pouring it over the cheesecake.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping
Once your cheesecake has cooled and the cherry topping is ready, take a sharp knife and gently run it around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice your cheesecake into pieces and serve it with a generous helping of cherry topping on each slice. You can also add whipped cream or fresh cherries for extra flavor.
How to Store Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping
If you have leftover cheesecake, you can store it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Frozen cheesecake can last for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Cherry Cheesecake with Cherry Topping
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Don’t skip the resting time in the oven; it helps prevent cracks on the cheesecake’s surface.
- For a smoother topping, use fresh cherries or store-bought cherry pie filling.
- You can add a bit of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
You can change the fruit topping if you want. Feel free to use blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries instead of cherries. Each fruit will give your cheesecake a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes! You can use cookie crumbs or a traditional pie crust if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
A: Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time, making it a great option for parties.
Q: Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make a gluten-free version of the cheesecake.
