Cranberry Orange Cheesecake – A Creamy Holiday Dessert to Remember

Hi, I’m Lina.
As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.

This Cranberry Orange Cheesecake blends tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and creamy filling into one unforgettable holiday dessert. It’s the kind of bake that turns an ordinary evening into something special, rich, citrusy, and perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The zesty orange brings brightness to every bite, while the cranberries add that tangy sparkle. The creamy texture is just the right contrast to the buttery graham crust. If you’ve ever made our Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole, you know how much I love cozy, bake-ahead dishes. This cheesecake fits right in, it’s comforting and crowd-pleasing, without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp melted butter

For the filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cranberry topping:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in foil.
2. Make the crust: Combine crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan base. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.
3. Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, flour, and orange zest. Add eggs one by one, then stir in sour cream and vanilla.
4. Bake: Pour the filling into the crust. Place pan in a water bath and bake for 55–65 minutes.
5. Cool: Let the cheesecake rest in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Chill for at least 4 hours.
6. Add topping: In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, orange juice, and sugar until thickened. Let cool before spooning over the chilled cheesecake.

Lina’s Tip

Prepare your cranberry topping a day ahead, it thickens beautifully overnight and saves time on the big day!

If you enjoy festive bakes, you’ll also love my Easy Halloween Party Treats and Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, both sweet, simple, and perfect for family celebrations.