Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: Zesty Holiday Dessert Delight!

Tired of serving the same predictable desserts at your holiday gatherings? A stunning cranberry orange cheesecake might be exactly what your festive table is missing! This vibrant, zesty holiday dessert combines the tangy brightness of cranberries with aromatic orange notes, all nestled in a creamy cheesecake that will have your guests reaching for seconds.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! As someone who’s perfected dozens of cheesecake recipes over the years, I can promise this cranberry orange masterpiece delivers both impressive presentation and unforgettable flavor. The secret lies in balancing the tart cranberries with the perfect amount of sweetness and citrus.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the freshest ingredients, mastering the perfect cheesecake texture, creating that gorgeous cranberry topping, and answering common holiday baking questions. Let’s create a dessert that becomes your new holiday tradition!

Why This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe Works

• Uses seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness and flavor
• Strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and tangy notes
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday entertaining
• Creates a show-stopping presentation with minimal decorating skills required
• Offers a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday desserts

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Best Dairy Products for Cheesecake Success

The foundation of any great cranberry orange cheesecake starts with quality cream cheese. Philadelphia brand cream cheese delivers consistent results with its perfect fat content and smooth texture. Ensure it’s fully softened at room temperature for at least 2 hours to prevent lumps in your batter.

Cranberry Selection Tips

Fresh cranberries deliver the brightest flavor for your cranberry orange cheesecake. Look for firm, plump berries that bounce when dropped (a classic test for freshness). If fresh aren’t available, frozen cranberries work beautifully – just don’t thaw them before cooking the sauce.

Citrus Considerations

When selecting oranges for your cranberry orange cheesecake, opt for medium-sized navel oranges with bright, unblemished skin. You’ll need both the zest and juice, so choose organic if possible. The oils in the zest provide intense orange flavor that truly elevates this holiday dessert.

Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Crust Essentials

• Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups, finely crushed)
• Melted butter (6 tablespoons)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Orange zest (1 teaspoon)
• Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Filling Components

• Full-fat cream cheese (32 ounces, softened)
• Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups)
• Eggs (4 large, room temperature)
• Sour cream (1/3 cup)
• Fresh orange juice (1/4 cup)
• Orange zest (2 tablespoons)
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)

Cranberry Topping Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries (12 ounces)
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
• Fresh orange juice (1/3 cup)
• Orange zest (1 tablespoon)
• Cinnamon stick (1)
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking.
3. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, orange zest, and salt.
4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of your springform pan.
5. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing filling.

Cooking Method for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

1. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
2. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
4. Fold in sour cream, orange juice, zest, vanilla extract, and flour until just combined.
5. Pour filling into prepared crust.
6. Place cheesecake in a larger roasting pan and add enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
7. Bake for 65-75 minutes, until edges are set but center still has a slight jiggle.

Doneness Check for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Your cranberry orange cheesecake is done when the outer 2-3 inches look set and slightly puffed, but the center still wobbles gently when the pan is shaken. The internal temperature should reach about 150°F (65°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Resting and Cooling Your Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

1. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
2. Remove from water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).
4. Prepare cranberry topping just before serving or up to 24 hours in advance.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Avoiding Cracks in Your Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

• Never overmix the batter once eggs are added this incorporates air that can cause cracks
• Always use the water bath method for gentle, even heating
• Avoid opening the oven door during baking
• Cool gradually to prevent temperature shock
• If cracks do occur, don’t worry! The cranberry topping will hide them perfectly

Tool Recommendations for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Success

• Digital kitchen thermometer for precise doneness
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment for smooth, lump-free batter
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil (18-inch width) for proper water bath sealing
• Microplane zester for extracting maximum flavor from citrus
• Offset spatula for perfect slice release and serving

Storage & Serving Tips for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Keep your cranberry orange cheesecake refrigerated for up to 5 days. For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts. For a beautiful presentation, add fresh orange slices and whole cranberries as garnish right before serving.

Looking for more holiday dessert inspiration? Check out our beautiful creations on Pinterest for stunning seasonal treats that will elevate your celebrations!

Flavor Variations for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Add 8 ounces of melted white chocolate to your cheesecake batter for a rich, luxurious twist. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and bright orange notes.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Substitute the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free cookie crust using gluten-free gingersnaps or vanilla cookies. Replace the flour in the filling with cornstarch to maintain that perfect texture.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

Transform this holiday dessert into convenient bars by using a 9×13 rectangular pan. Reduce the baking time to about 45 minutes and cut into squares for easy serving at larger gatherings.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

This festive cranberry orange cheesecake makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with a hint of orange liqueur for an elegant touch. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with sugared cranberries, candied orange peel, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Pair this zesty holiday dessert with a glass of sparkling prosecco or a warming cup of spiced tea. The bright, tangy flavors of the cheesecake complement the richness of a holiday meal perfectly, offering a refreshing finale to your feast.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

Can I make this cranberry orange cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake actually benefits from being made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors have time to develop, and it takes the stress out of day-of preparations. Make the cheesecake and refrigerate it, then add the cranberry topping up to 24 hours before serving.

Can I freeze cranberry orange cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake for up to 2 months. Freeze it without the topping, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh cranberry topping before serving.

My cranberry topping is too tart. How can I fix it?

If your cranberry topping for the cranberry orange cheesecake is too tart, simply add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while it’s still warm. You can also add a tablespoon of orange marmalade for sweetness that complements the existing flavors.

Conclusion

This cranberry orange cheesecake is more than just a dessert it’s a holiday showstopper that brings together the best flavors of the season. The bright, tangy cranberries balance perfectly with the creamy cheesecake and aromatic orange notes, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

I encourage you to try this recipe for your next holiday gathering it’s become a beloved tradition in countless homes after readers discovered it here at Foodydish. The vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive winter celebration.

Share your cranberry orange cheesecake creations with us on social media I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens! And if you enjoyed this holiday dessert, be sure to explore our other seasonal favorites like our Maple Pumpkin Pie, Classic Apple Crisp, or Gingerbread Cookie Bars.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake: Zesty Holiday Dessert Delight!

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 5 hrs 25 mins
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake combines the richness of a creamy cheesecake with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the zest of fresh oranges. With its buttery graham cracker crust, smooth orange-infused filling, and jewel-like cranberry topping, it’s a showstopper dessert for any holiday table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

For the cheesecake filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tsp orange zest

2 tbsp orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cranberry topping:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

1/2 tsp orange zest

For garnish (optional):

Candied orange peel

Whipped cream

Fresh cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake 10 minutes. Let cool.

3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended.

5. Add sour cream, heavy cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

6. Pour filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

7. Bake 55–65 minutes or until center is nearly set. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool 1 hour. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

8. For the topping, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until berries burst. Stir in cornstarch mixture and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add orange zest and let cool completely.

9. Spoon cranberry topping over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.

10. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and orange peel before serving.

Notes

Add 1 tbsp of Grand Marnier to the filling for a deeper orange flavor.

For a crisp crust, bake a few minutes longer before adding the filling.

You can make the cranberry topping 2–3 days ahead and refrigerate.

Freeze cheesecake (without topping) for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 440

Keywords: cranberry orange cheesecake, holiday dessert, citrus cheesecake, creamy cheesecake