Cherry cheesecake is the dessert that dreams are made of. Picture a creamy, velvety filling laid atop a buttery graham cracker crust, all crowned with luscious cherries that glisten like rubies. Each bite melts in your mouth, balancing sweet and tart flavors that dance on your taste buds. You can practically hear the angels sing as you savor this heavenly treat, making it the perfect finale for any occasion.
This cherry cheesecake has a special place in my heart, reminding me of summers spent at Grandma’s house. She would whip up this dessert for birthdays, family gatherings, and even just because it was Tuesday. The excitement in her kitchen as the cherry topping came together felt like magic. Now, I share this joy with my own friends and family, creating those same delightful memories around our table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry cheesecake is a breeze to prepare and will impress your guests
- Its rich flavor profile combines creamy cheese and tangy cherries perfectly
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it steals the show at any gathering
- Enjoy it as a classic dessert or get creative with toppings for a fun twist!
There was one unforgettable birthday when everyone raved about my cherry cheesecake, and I basked in compliments like a sunflower in the sun.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crunchy base; crush them finely for an even texture.
Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the crust together; ensures the right consistency without added saltiness.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, creamy filling that makes you weak in the knees.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess; opt for full-fat for best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling; adjust according to your taste preference.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; choose pure vanilla for maximum aroma.
Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter.
Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The crown jewel of this recipe; use high-quality cherries for vibrant color and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan for a sturdy base.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling, enjoying that buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Create the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; continue beating until fully combined without lumps.
Add Eggs Carefully: Mix in eggs one at a time while scraping down sides of the bowl after each addition. This ensures an even mix without over-beating—too much air can cause cracks while baking.
Bake Your Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture into your cooled crust and smooth out evenly using a spatula. Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center—don’t worry; it will firm up as it cools!
Cool and Top It Off!: Once baked, turn off your oven but leave cheesecake inside with door ajar for about 1 hour to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before topping with cherry pie filling right before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy every delicious bite of this cherry cheesecake!
With each forkful melting on your tongue like sweet nostalgia wrapped in creamy bliss, you’ll be reminded of warm-hearted gatherings where laughter flows as freely as love. Enjoy creating more moments around your table with this delightful dessert!
You Must Know
- This delightful cherry cheesecake balances the tartness of cherries with creamy sweetness, making it a dessert everyone loves
- The buttery crust adds crunch and flavor, while the vibrant red topping is a feast for the eyes
- Serve it chilled for maximum enjoyment
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust first; bake it while mixing the cheesecake filling to save time.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different fruit toppings like strawberries or blueberries for a unique twist on flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. No reheating needed; enjoy it cold!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling, avoiding lumps that can ruin your texture
- Always let your cheesecake cool completely before adding the cherry topping to prevent sogginess
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling
Sharing this cherry cheesecake recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where one slice never seems enough! Everyone clamors for seconds, and I love seeing their smiles.
FAQ
What type of cherries should I use for cherry cheesecake?
Fresh or canned cherries work well; just ensure they’re pitted and drained if canned.
Can I make this cherry cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for best results and chill overnight.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Bake at a lower temperature and avoid overmixing to keep your cheesecake smooth and crack-free.
Cherry Cheesecake
Cherry cheesecake is a timeless dessert that combines a creamy filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with luscious cherries. Perfect for any occasion, this dish balances sweet and tart flavors in each heavenly bite. Reminiscent of cherished family gatherings, this easy-to-make cheesecake will impress your guests and create delightful memories around your table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, then press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until golden; let it cool.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid cracks.
- Pour mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 55-60 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with cherry pie filling before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
