Cherry Cheesecake | Cookies & Cups

Why I Love This Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

This cherry cheesecake recipe takes my favourite baked cheesecake and tops it with shiny and juicy cherry pie filling. I make my cherry topping from scratch, however when 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 simple cheesecake recipe so nice:

• Texture and taste. I really like the best way 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, it is a very approachable recipe. Adopted as written, all of it however ensures an ideal cheesecake! I adore it as a result of it doesn’t require any fancy tools, 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 Substances

The primary secret to an additional creamy cheesecake is to take chilly substances 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 beneath. Remember to consult with the recipe card beneath the submit with the printable listing and recipe quantities.

• Graham Cracker Crust – I embrace the recipe for my simple home made graham cracker crust created 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. Convey 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 – Ensure 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 contemporary or frozen cherries! You too can use your favourite canned pie filling from the shop.

The right way to Make Cherry Cheesecake

The second secret to completely easy home made 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 complete recipe particulars.

Recipe Suggestions and Variations

• Par-bake the crust. It’s price 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 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 proper cheesecake very quickly!
• Don’t overbake. The cheesecake is finished 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 verify the cheesecake for doneness.
• Cool the cheesecake step by step. When 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 advocate 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 sit back the cheesecake absolutely in a single day earlier than serving, however it ought to chill for no less than 6 hours for finest outcomes.
• Attempt one other cheesecake taste. Should you’d prefer to swap out the traditional cheesecake layer for one more taste, attempt a cherry chocolate cheesecake as a substitute. 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 right way to Retailer

• Refrigerate. Retailer this cheesecake hermetic within the fridge for as much as 5 days. The cherry filling might bleed into the cheesecake over time, however 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.