Go Back
+ servings

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust and Citrus

A festive cranberry swirl cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, creamy vanilla filling, and ribbons of homemade cranberry sauce.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 421

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups fine gingersnap cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (16 oz) brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (99g) cane sugar
  • 2 large eggs (about 100g) at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (8g) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup thick cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup (60g) orange juice
  • 1 cup (198g) cane sugar
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick

Method
 

Assemble and bake the cheesecake
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Keep a 9-inch springform pan or a cheesecake pan with a removable bottom nearby.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the gingersnap crumbs, salt, and cinnamon until combined. Add the melted butter and pulse again just until the crumbs are moistened and look like wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then set the crust aside to cool.
  4. Place the softened cream cheese and cane sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-low until smooth, light, and creamy, stopping to scrape the bowl and paddle as needed.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition. Blend in the vanilla and orange zest just until combined.
  6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Tap the pan firmly on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the top of the filling, then drag a toothpick or small skewer through it to make swirls.
  8. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges look set and just start to brown and the center still wiggles slightly.
  9. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for 2 to 3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set.
  10. Remove the pan collar or base just before serving. Serve chilled; this is best on the first day but keeps in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Homemade cranberry sauce
  1. Combine the cranberries, cane sugar, and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the berries start to soften.
  2. Raise the heat to medium and add the cinnamon stick. Keep cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cool completely before using.
  3. Use the sauce chunky or puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for several days.

Nutrition

Calories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 329mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23g

Notes

Use thick cranberry sauce so the swirls stay defined; drain off extra syrup from store-bought sauce before using.
For a gluten free cheesecake, use certified gluten free gingersnap cookies and check your spices.
Bake the cheesecake on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and help it bake evenly.
Cool slowly to room temperature before refrigerating to help prevent cracks.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the cleanest slices.
Extra homemade cranberry sauce is great on waffles, yogurt, or roasted turkey.
Leftover cheesecake keeps covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!