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Festive Cranberry Cheesecake Tart

A stunning holiday dessert featuring a thick, rustic graham cracker crust, a creamy baked cheesecake filling, and a vibrant, tangy homemade fresh cranberry compote topping.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Graham Cracker Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup sour cream room temperature
Cranberry Topping
  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup water or orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish or tart pan
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  4. Mix in eggs one at a time on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust.
  5. Bake at 325°F for 35-45 minutes until center is almost set. Cool in turned-off oven with door cracked for 30 mins, then cool completely at room temp.
  6. Chill cheesecake in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Simmer cranberries, sugar, water, and zest in a saucepan until berries pop (5-8 mins). Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 mins until thickened.
  8. Cool topping completely, then spoon over chilled cheesecake before serving.

Notes

Total time includes minimum 4 hours chilling time. Ensure all cheesecake filling ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps.