Ingredients
Method
Assemble and bake the cheesecake
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Keep a 9-inch springform pan or a cheesecake pan with a removable bottom nearby.
- 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.
- Press the crumb mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then set the crust aside to cool.
- 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.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition. Blend in the vanilla and orange zest just until combined.
- 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.
- Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the top of the filling, then drag a toothpick or small skewer through it to make swirls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
