| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 539 | 35g | 21g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 1g | 6g | 0.63g |
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Cherry Cheesecake is more than just a dessert for me—it’s a slice of my family’s history, a gourmet delight, and a little bit of heaven all rolled into one. I fondly remember my first encounter with this fantastic dish when my grandmother served it during a summer family gathering. The vibrant ruby-red cherries atop a creamy, smooth cheesecake base made it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Over the years, I’ve adapted her recipe slightly, but the essence of this dish remains unchanged.
Family Traditions and Culinary Joys
One of the reasons I adore this Cherry Cheesecake is its ability to bring everyone together. It has a delightful balance of flavors: the sweet, slightly tangy cherries offset the rich, velvety cream cheese layer, all anchored by a buttery graham cracker crust. This combination makes it a hit during family dinners, parties, and special occasions. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, such as a fresh summer salad or a hearty, comforting Irish stew.
Laura often says that if our relationship was a dessert, it would be this Cherry Cheesecake. This statement makes me laugh, but it also feels profoundly true. Just like our cheesecake, our lives are rich, fulfilling, and filled with moments of sweetness, especially now that we have a baby boy to share these treasured family recipes with.
A Healthier Indulgence
While Cherry Cheesecake might not be classified as health food, it has its share of benefits. For instance, cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be a boon for your health. Cream cheese provides calcium and good fats, which are essential for bone health. This dessert also offers a fun opportunity to include a portion of fruit into your diet, making it a slightly healthier option compared to other rich desserts.
If you are looking to substitute or experiment, you could try using other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry for a different twist. This recipe is also quite similar to other classic desserts such as New York cheesecake or Black Forest cake, which might also catch your interest if you enjoy Cherry Cheesecake.
For those interested in learning more about the benefits of cherries, this article provides a detailed overview. For information on the benefits of adding cream cheese to your diet, you can check out this resource.
The next time you’re in the mood to treat yourself or your loved ones, consider whipping up this Cherry Cheesecake. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it might just become a cherished part of your family’s culinary tradition, just as it has for mine.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
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Method
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Step One
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step Two
Press the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Keep the oven on.
Step Three
In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined. Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and blend well.
Step Four
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed until just blended after each addition. Do not overmix. Gently fold in 1 cup of sour cream until the batter is smooth.
Step Five
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step Six
Place the springform pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center appears set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open to cool gradually for 1 hour.
Step Seven
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Step Eight
Before serving, spread 1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Carefully release and remove the springform pan collar. Slice and serve the cherry cheesecake cold.
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