Description
This classic cherry cheesecake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- For the Cherry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in vanilla extract and salt. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Then, remove and let cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
- Serve: Top the chilled cheesecake with the cherry topping before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.
- If using frozen cherries for the topping, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before cooking.
- You can add a layer of sour cream to the top of the cheesecake during the last 15 minutes of baking for added richness.
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT1H
- Category: Cheesecake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g