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Citrus Vanilla Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

A festive cranberry swirl cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, citrus notes, and easy homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect for the holidays!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 414

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake
  • 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs about 6 oz / 170 g; use certified gluten free if needed
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted about 55 g / 2 oz
  • 16 oz brick-style cream cheese, at room temperature about 454 g
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar about 100 g
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature about 100 g total
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract about 8 g
  • 1 to 2 tsp finely grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup prepared cranberry sauce from the batch below; use chilled or at room temperature
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Makes Extra)
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries about 340 g
  • 1/4 cup orange juice about 60 ml / 2 fl oz
  • 1 cup cane sugar about 200 g / 7 oz
  • 1 stick cinnamon

Method
 

For the cranberry swirl cheesecake
  1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Have a 9 inch round springform pan or a cheesecake pan with a removable bottom ready.
  2. Pulse the gingersnap crumbs, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse a few times until the mixture is evenly moistened, not greasy.
  3. Transfer the crumbs into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
  4. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until light and creamy and no lumps remain. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula as needed.
  5. Mix in the eggs on low speed, then blend in the vanilla and orange zest.
  6. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Tap the pan firmly on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce over the filling, then drag a skewer or toothpick through it to create swirls.
  8. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are gently puffed and just beginning to color. The center should still wobble slightly; it will continue to set as it cools.
  9. Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours until fully set.
  10. Release the sides of the pan and slice the cheesecake while chilled. Serve cold, and store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
For the homemade cranberry sauce
  1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the berries begin to soften.
  2. Turn the heat to medium, add the cinnamon stick, and continue cooking until the cranberries burst, about 10 to 15 minutes more.
  3. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Leave it chunky for a rustic swirl or blend it until smooth. Make it ahead and keep it refrigerated for several days.

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 6gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 309mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24g

Notes

Use full-fat block cream cheese and room temperature eggs; cold ingredients can cause lumps and cracking.
For a gluten free cranberry swirl cheesecake, choose certified gluten free gingersnap cookies for the crust.
This cranberry sauce recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups, so you will have extra. Serve it with turkey, pancakes, or yogurt.
Puree the sauce for clean, smooth ribbons, or keep it chunky for a more rustic swirl effect.
Do not overbake. The middle of the cheesecake should jiggle slightly when you pull it out, and it will firm up while chilling.
Run a thin knife around the edge of the cake before releasing the pan to help prevent cracks.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, or wrap and freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month.

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