cherry cheesecake

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

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even crust.
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 softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Finally, mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the filling is smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
6. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.

Baking:

1. Place the springform pan with the cheesecake filling in a larger pan. Fill the larger pan with about 1 inch of hot water. This water bath helps prevent cracking.
2. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour.
4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven, run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the pan, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Topping:

1. Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
2. Slice and serve your delicious cherry cheesecake. Enjoy!

This cherry cheesecake is a delightful treat for any occasion, and the combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry topping is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.