Go Back

Classic Cherry Cheesecake

Sugar Geek Show
This Classic Cherry Cheesecake from Sugar Geek Show is the perfect way to harness the magic of cherries (and black cherries) to create something enticingly sweet and wonderfully delectable. As far as cheesecake recipes go, this one is relatively easy. The notes will instruct you on the steps necessary to prevent your beautiful Classic Cherry Cheesecake from cracking. Bon appetit!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Cooling 1 day
Total Time 1 day 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 635 kcal

Equipment

  • 9 inch Springform Pan

Ingredients
  

Cheesecake Crust

  • 8 oz crushed graham crackers
  • 4 oz unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 oz granulater sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 48 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 13 oz granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3 oz heavy cream at room temperature
  • 3 oz sour cream at room temperature
  • 6 large eggs at room temperature

Cherry Topping

  • 32 oz fresh cherries pits, removed can substitute with black cherries
  • 8 oz granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces water
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 5 tbsp clear jel or 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 oz cool water
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Move one oven rack to the bottomost spot of your over, then place the other oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Graham Cracker Crust

  • Combine crush graham crackers, sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
  • (Optional) Cut a piece of parchment paper in a circle the same size as the bottom of your springform pan. This will help prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
  • Pour graham cracker mixture evenly on top of the parchment paper in the springform pan. Compress the crust by pressing it down with the bottom of a flat measuring cup.
  • Bake the crust for 5 minutes at 350°, then set it aside and let it cool.

Cheesecake Filling

  • Place a sheet pan on the bottom rack in your oven, then fill it 3/4 of the way with water. Reminder: Your cheesecake will bake above it on the middle rack.
  • Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl on a low setting until its extra smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Delicately sprinkle granulated sugar into the cream cheese while mixing it with the mixer on low setting. Smoothly blending the cream cheese and sugar together will help ensure that your cheesecake is extra creamy.
  • Continue to mix on low as you incorporate the heavy cream and sour cream.
  • While mixing on low speed, proceed to add your eggs one at a time. Be sure not to add the next egg until the previous egg is fully incorporated. Add salt and vanilla extract as well.
  • Once the eggs have been fully incorporated into the cheesecake mixture, stop mixing. Overmixing can introduce excess air into the mixture, which can lead to cracking.
  • Pour cheesecake mixture onto the cooled graham cracker crust.
  • Bake cheesecake at 335° for 60 minutes, making sure not to open the door while it bakes to prevent cracking. Afterwards, open the over door slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool within for another 60 minutes.
  • Remove the cheesecake and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (overnight for optimal results).

Cherry Topping

  • Combine cherries, water, sugar and salt in a large saucepan and simmer at a medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Make a slurry by combining Clear Jel, 2 oz water, lemon zest and lemon juice.
  • Add Clear Jel slurry to the simmering cherries and stir consistently for 1 minute until it thickens.
  • Let the cherry topping cool before decorating your cooled cheesecake. You can also add whipped cream and other toppings as you so desire. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

How to Ensure Your Cheesecake Doesn't Crack

  • Use a mixer on a low setting to avoid too much air being introduced into the batter.
  • If your oven is too hot, your cheesecake will inflate too much, which will cause it to shrink too much once it's cooled, causing cracks. To avoid this, ensure your oven is set at the proper temperature, and bake your cheesecake as far away from the top heating element as possible.
  • Cooling the cheesecake slowly helps to avoid dramatic temperature changes which can cause the cheesecake to crack. 
Keyword classic cherry cheesecake recipe, easy cherry cheesecake recipe, homemade cherry cheesecake recipe