Cheesecake Holiday Recipes

I know, I know. There’s another name that Americans give this day of the year, that rhymes with Aack Iday. But I can think of about a million other things I would rather be doing today than waking up at the crack of dawn for “doorbusters”, fighting through crowds, watching people push and shove, standing in line after line, and frankly, buying way too much stuff that 

Instead, today you will find me happily staying inside to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with family I’m visiting, doing some crafting with my mom, driving back to KC to attend one of my favorite services of the year at my church, and of course, eating lots of Thanksgiving leftovers…including this cranberry orange cheesecake!

There was just one piece of this delicious cake leftover from our extended family’s Thanksgiving feast yesterday, and I’m pretty sure it has my name written all over it. Because this cheesecake was

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Awesome since my mom helped me make it. In addition to helping bake the cheesecake the night before Thanksgiving, she also stood in as a hand model and assistant when I decided to do an impromptu photo shoot right before Thanksgiving dinner so that I could share the recipe on the blog. Go, Mama, go!

Thankfully, the cranberry orange cheesecake was a hit at our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. So if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert idea, or a use for leftover cranberries, or just a great new cheesecake recipe, you’ve gotta try it! Here’s the how to:

The orange cheesecake just calls for all of the ingredients in my favorite “lighter” cheesecake — low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Plus you add in the zest of an entire orange. (Which, amazingly, will make your entire kitchen smell like orange for hours!)

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The crust is a simple gingersnap crust, which calls for gingersnaps (I like the cheap store-bought ones for this!) and butter. But you could also substitute in graham crackers if desired.

Then the topping is classic cranberry sauce, which I recommend making homemade for this (instead of from a can) so that you can get a more whole-berry-ish consistency. All you need for that is a bag of fresh cranberries, water (or you could substitute in some of the fresh orange juice), and sugar.

So to make the crust, ground up a bunch of gingersnaps. Then mix them with butter, and press into your baking dish.

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If you want a traditional-looking cheesecake, you can press the gingersnap crust up the sides of the pan. But I’ve been hooked on flat crusts lately — easier, and also very pretty!

Be sure that your cream cheese, yogurt and eggs are all room temperature. Then mix up the batter according to the directions, and fold in a bunch of orange zest at the end. Try not to over-mix the batter, in order to prevent cracking.

Once the crust and batter are ready, pour the batter into the pre-baked crust, and use a rubber spatula or spoon to smooth out the top.

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Once it’s cool, slide a knife around the side of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Then carefully remove the sides of the pan. And if you want, slide a knife 

The cheesecake crust, and very carefully slide the cheesecake onto your serving dish. (But you can also just leave the bottom of the springform pan attached to the cheesecake!)

Cracked if you want the “whole cranberry” look for the topping. (Alternately, you can cook the cranberry sauce the classic way until the cranberries are totally mushy and have completely broken down — 

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Use leftover cranberry sauce!)  Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to the top of your cheesecake, and spread in a somewhat even layer. Then top with some more orange zest, and you’re good to go!

**If you do not feel confident creating a really well-sealed aluminum foil wrapping around the springform pan, then just place a 9×13 baking dish (or any size baking dish) on the rack below the cheesecake in the oven, fill IT full of boiling water, close the oven door and cook according to directions.

I find that actually submerging the springform pan IN the water helps it to cook more evenly and avoid cracking. But this method is also great, and then you don’t have to worry about the potential of water seeping into the springform pan while cooking.If you love rich, creamy cheesecake look no further. We’ve rounded up our best holiday cheesecake recipes! We’ve got classics, chocolate delights and seasonal flavors to dazzle your senses.

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Perfect for a nighttime treat or to end a delicious dinner, these holiday cheesecake recipes will have you pulling out your springform pan over and over again.

This Santa-approved Red Velvet Cheesecake is as tasty as it looks with a rich cookie crust, red velvet chocolate layer and cream cheese to top it off.

If you love the flavors of fall but are tired of pumpkin pie, try this decadent cheesecake for a delicious autumn treat that has all of the warm spice notes you love. It’s topped with caramel pecan sauce and homemade whipped cream for a perfect end of the night delight.

Festive Peppermint Candy Cheesecake Recipe

With a classic creamy filling and buttery crust, these mini classic cheesecakes are perfect for splitting with a special someone or indulging your sweet tooth.

This no-bake cheesecake shot recipe is a fun and easy way to spice up the holiday season. Add Edible Glitter Gold Stars for a fun twist!

Start your morning off right with these Jumbo Cheesecake-Stuffed French Toast Muffins. The combination of French toast, bread pudding and creamy cheesecake coffee cake makes this treat perfect for a holiday or birthday breakfast.

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

These little Buckeye Cheesecake Bites are so small that you can easily treat yourself to two or three of them! A chocolatey cookie crumb crust is filled with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, then left to chill until set – no baking required!

Can’t decide between cake and cheesecake? Get the best of both worlds with these Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes. A soft red velvet layer rests on top of a creamy cheesecake layer, then the whole thing is crowned with a swirl of cream cheese frosting. Add a few sprinkles for color or leave as is for a delicious dessert that will please cake and cheesecake lovers alike!

Take a trip down memory lane with this No-Bake PB&J Cheesecake. A rich peanut butter cheesecake is topped with grape jelly, peanuts and whipped cream for a taste that brings us right back to our childhood. Best of all, this cheesecake sets up in the fridge, so no oven time required.

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe. For added spice and texture, top your cheesecake slices with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of rich and smooth caramel pecan sauce. A decadent dessert you can serve for fall and winter holidays and celebrations, this cheesecake is a pumpkin lover’s dream come true!

Can’t get enough tart in your dessert? Then you’re going to love these Mini Kiwi Cheesecakes. Not only are they bursting with bright flavors, they’re infused with Vodka! Small enough to eat in one bite, these mini cheesecakes will be party ready in no time!

Need some help decorating other festive treats this season? Take a look at our Christmas cookie icing recipe for some essential tips on using royal icing on Christmas cookies.

Layered Chocolate Cheesecake

In the mood for a more traditional cake to help put you in a merry mood? Browse through our list of easy Christmas cake ideas to get your baking juices flowing.

If you’re sticking with cheesecakes, check out our Springform Pan 101 guide and our all in one introduction to making Easy and Delicious Homemade Cheesecake

So, which of these delicious desserts do you want to try putting out on your holiday table this year? Let us know by commenting below or sharing some pics of your latest Christmas dessert bake this holiday season on Instagram and tagging @WiltonCakes.

Cheesecake Recipes For The Holiday Season

Feel festive by baking a beautiful holiday-themed cheesecake. From rich red velvet cheesecake to caramel-dripped pumpkin cheesecake, find the perfect cheesecake to bake this season with help from Wilton!

Since 1929, the Wilton Team of bakers has been inspiring the joy of creativity in everyone, everywhere, every day. From big milestone celebrations to simply baking in the kitchen with your loved ones, the Wilton team is here to be your trusted guide, your secret ingredient, ready to help you shine with tips, tricks and solutions that enable you to be your most creative self. No matter where you are on your baking journey, Wilton is here to help you bake your world happy.Believe or not friends it is November, which marks the beginning of needing to think about the holidays.  Pre-holidays preparations consume my thoughts like a bride planning her wedding day.  The closer it gets to Thanksgiving (and Christmas) I get both anxious and excited to see my good friends and family to celebrate over seasonal spirits, delicious bites, and of course… unforgettable desserts.

For me, the holidays are about extending myself to those I love

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