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 if you happen to’re pressed for time, you may 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 simple 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. If you happen to’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 possibly can 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 a substitute.

Cheesecake Components

The primary secret to an additional creamy cheesecake is to take chilly components like cream cheese and eggs out of the fridge earlier than you start. I’ve included all of the ingredient notes you’ll must get began on this cherry cheesecake under. Make sure you confer with the recipe card under the put up with the printable record and recipe quantities.

• Graham Cracker Crust – I embrace the recipe for my simple selfmade graham cracker crust constructed from graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You may make it with store-bought or homemade graham crackers. 
• Cream Cheese – You’ll need to use full-fat blocks of cream cheese for a wealthy, thick, and creamy cheesecake. Carry the cream cheese to room temperature earlier than you begin.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is greatest.
• Bitter Cream – Just like the cream cheese, this ought to be full-fat and at room temperature.
• Vanilla – Be sure 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 can even 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. If you happen to’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 Ideas 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 changing into soggy.
• Don’t skip the water bathtub. That is necessary 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 proper cheesecake very quickly!
• Don’t overbake. The cheesecake is completed baking when the sides are set and the center nonetheless has a slight wiggle. It would 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 adjustments may cause the cheesecake to crack. Go away that door shut for the primary 60 minutes earlier than you test 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, but it surely ought to chill for at the very least 6 hours for greatest outcomes.
• Attempt one other cheesecake taste. If you happen to’d wish to swap out the basic cheesecake layer for an additional taste, strive a cherry chocolate cheesecake as a substitute. You can even make a no bake cherry cheesecake utilizing my greatest no bake cheesecake recipe for the bottom. If you happen to go the no-bake route, I like to recommend including the cherry topping solely whenever 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, but it surely’ll nonetheless style scrumptious.
• Freeze. You can even freeze this cherry cheesecake for as much as 2 months. Thaw the cheesecake within the fridge earlier than serving.