The Holidays Were Made For Cheesecake!
holiday cheesecake
For as long as I can remember, this cheesecake has been the star attraction of our holiday celebrations. It always receives oohs and aahs when it is presented at the table, making me giddy with happiness and joy. This stunning cheesecake conjures up exactly what you would imagine a perfect holiday dessert to be. To explain, that includes a chocolate crust, a cream cheese center, and a glowing red glaze. A festive dessert that is easy to make, and especially delicious to eat.
pomegranates
Crunchy Chocolate… Creamy Filling…
It all begins with a rich chocolate crust that is sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon. The middle layer consists of a whipped cream cheese filling mixed together with sour cream that will melt in your mouth. Cranberries and pomegranates mix together to create the most decadent topping, and my most favorite part of this cheesecake. The tart and crisp flavors of the cranberry and pomegranate are cheesecake topping perfection. All of the rich combinations of colors against the stark contrast of the cream cheese are irresistible. In other words, this cheese cake just oozes holiday cheer!
bubbly cranberries
It Is Almost Too Simple!
I love the fact that the cheesecake can be prepared the day before we eat, ensuring that one food category is checked off of my list. The only special equipment that you will need is a springform pan, which in my opinion, should be a part of every kitchen. You will be surprised how many times that you grab it for a sweet or savory recipe. Cheesecakes are surprisingly easy to bake, but somehow everyone always thinks you have been slaving away in the kitchen. For this reason, it is always a good bet that cheesecake will be a part of our holiday celebration. You may want to consider baking one for your next holiday celebration. Why should I have all of the fun?
PrintHoliday Cheescake
A gorgeous and delicious cheesecake to make for your next holiday celebration!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 1/2 hours + cooling time
- Category: Dessert
- Method: mixer and cook top
Ingredients
Crust:
1 package of chocolate wafer cookies ( no frosting )
7 TB melted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 TB cinnamon
Filling:
3 – 8 ounce packages of cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 TB pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup sour cream
1 TB orange zest
Topping:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 tsp cornstarch
2 TB freshly squeezed orange juice
1 TB orange zest
1 pomegranate – seeded
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crust ingredients and press into the bottom and partially up the sides of a 9″ springform pan. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the filling ingredients. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy, around 3 minutes with a stand mixture. Gradually add the sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time and mix just until incorporated. Finally, add the vanilla, sour cream, and orange zest and mix until smooth. Pour batter into prepared crust and bake at 350 degrees for 45- 50 minutes until center is not wobbly. Cool for several hours or overnight.
Topping:
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the cranberries and continue cooking for 5 minutes and the skins begin to pop. Remove from the heat and mix a small amount with the cornstarch. Add the cranberry-cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and bring to boil, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice, zest, and pomegranate. Allow the glaze to cool completely. Spread on the top, or over individual slices and serve.
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