cherry cheesecake

Cherry cheesecake is a classic and delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries. Here’s a basic recipe for a homemade cherry cheesecake:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to create the crust. You can use the bottom of a glass or a flat utensil to help with this.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix in.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cracking.
5. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
2. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
3. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks.
5. After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

For the Cherry Topping:

1. Once the cheesecake is fully cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
2. Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake.
3. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then remove the sides of the springform pan.
4. Slice and serve your delicious homemade cherry cheesecake.

Enjoy your cherry cheesecake as is, or you can garnish it with whipped cream or fresh cherries for an extra touch of decadence.