Cherry Cheesecake | Cookies & Cups

Why I Love This Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

This cherry cheesecake recipe takes my favourite baked cheesecake and tops it with vivid and juicy cherry pie filling. I make my cherry topping from scratch, however in the event you’re pressed for time, you possibly can simply as simply make this dessert with store-bought cherry filling, too. 

The cheesecake is luscious and creamy, and the candy, zesty cherries take it excessive. Right here’s what makes this straightforward cheesecake recipe so nice:

• Texture and taste. I like the way in which the sweet-tart cherry pie filling balances out the richness of this cheesecake. There are juicy bursts of cherries alongside the creaminess in each chunk.
• Easy steps. Should you’re new to baking cheesecakes, this can be a very approachable recipe. Adopted as written, all of it however ensures an ideal cheesecake! I find it irresistible as a result of it doesn’t require any fancy gear, only a water bathtub, which ensures that the cheesecake bakes up with out cracks.
• Versatile. You’ll be able to change up the pie filling on this recipe to make any flavored cheesecake you’d like. If cherry isn’t your factor, swap it for strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry pie filling as an alternative.

Cheesecake Components

The primary secret to an additional creamy cheesecake is to take chilly elements like cream cheese and eggs out of the fridge earlier than you start. I’ve included all of the ingredient notes you’ll have to get began on this cherry cheesecake under. You should definitely seek advice from the recipe card under the put up with the printable listing and recipe quantities.

• Graham Cracker Crust – I embrace the recipe for my straightforward selfmade graham cracker crust constructed from graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You can also make it with store-bought or homemade graham crackers. 
• Cream Cheese – You’ll wish to use full-fat blocks of cream cheese for a wealthy, thick, and creamy cheesecake. Deliver the cream cheese to room temperature earlier than you begin.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is finest.
• Bitter Cream – Just like the cream cheese, this needs to be full-fat and at room temperature.
• Vanilla – Be certain to make use of actual vanilla extract (or an equal quantity of vanilla paste).
• Eggs – Additionally at room temperature.
• Cherry Pie Filling – I take advantage of my homemade cherry pie filling. It takes 10 minutes to make on the stovetop with recent or frozen cherries! You too can use your favourite canned pie filling from the shop.

The way to Make Cherry Cheesecake

The second secret to completely clean selfmade cheesecake is to make use of a water bathtub. Should you’ve by no means baked with a water bathtub earlier than, don’t sweat it. It’s tremendous easy, and I’ll stroll you thru the steps right here. Scroll all the way down to the printable recipe card for the total recipe particulars.

Recipe Suggestions and Variations

• Par-bake the crust. It’s value the additional step (and 10 minutes) to pre-bake the graham cracker crust earlier than you add the cheesecake filling. It crisps up the crust, which retains it from turning into soggy.
• Don’t skip the water bathtub. That is vital for stopping a cracked cheesecake and ensures that this cherry cheesecake bakes evenly. Wrap the springform tightly in a double layer and watch out to not overfill the bigger baking pan. You’ll be baking the right cheesecake very quickly!
• Don’t overbake. The cheesecake is completed baking when the perimeters are set and the center nonetheless has a slight wiggle. It’ll proceed to agency up whereas it cools. 
• Go away the oven door closed. Resist the urge to open the oven door, even a crack, whereas the cheesecake is baking! Sudden temperature modifications could cause the cheesecake to crack. Go away that door shut for the primary 60 minutes earlier than you examine the cheesecake for doneness.
• Cool the cheesecake step by step. Whilst you don’t want to chill the cheesecake contained in the oven with the door cracked for an hour (as is the case with some cheesecake recipes), I nonetheless suggest cooling this cheesecake down slowly. Go away it on the counter to chill to room temperature earlier than you progress it to the fridge. I like to relax the cheesecake totally in a single day earlier than serving, nevertheless it ought to chill for a minimum of 6 hours for finest outcomes.
• Strive one other cheesecake taste. Should you’d wish to swap out the traditional cheesecake layer for one more taste, attempt a cherry chocolate cheesecake as an alternative. You too can make a no bake cherry cheesecake utilizing my finest no bake cheesecake recipe for the bottom. Should you go the no-bake route, I like to recommend including the cherry topping solely if you’re able to serve.

The way to Retailer

• Refrigerate. Retailer this cheesecake hermetic within the fridge for as much as 5 days. The cherry filling could bleed into the cheesecake over time, nevertheless it’ll nonetheless style scrumptious.
• Freeze. You too can freeze this cherry cheesecake for as much as 2 months. Thaw the cheesecake within the fridge earlier than serving.