Description
A luscious cherry cheesecake with a creamy filling and sweet cherry topping atop a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups (450 g) pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Incorporate the sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice into the mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently until well combined.
- Bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight wobble when touched.
- Cool: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours, allowing it to firm up.
- Prepare cherry topping: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Combine the cornstarch with water, stirring it into the cherry mixture, then simmer until it thickens and turns glossy.
- Decorate: Once the cherry topping has cooled completely, spoon it generously over the chilled cheesecake.
- Serve: When ready to serve, slice the cheesecake with a warm, clean knife to achieve beautiful, creamy slices.
Notes
Serve chilled for best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh mint or additional cherries for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake, dessert, baking, cheesecake recipe, classic dessert