Why did my cheesecake crack, and how can I prevent it?

Cracks usually happen due to overmixing (which incorporates too much air), sudden temperature changes, or overbaking. To prevent cracks, mix ingredients just until combined, use a water bath, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and cool the cheesecake gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.

Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly for this recipe and are often more convenient than fresh, especially when cherries aren't in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before measuring to ensure your topping has the right consistency.

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removing and serving the cheesecake much easier, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan in a pinch. Line it with parchment paper with overhang on the sides to help lift the cheesecake out after it's completely chilled.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or reduced fat?

You can substitute part of the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese (1/3 less fat cream cheese) and use light sour cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just avoid fat-free products as they often contain additives that can affect the texture and baking properties.

Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 5 tablespoons sugar; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 4 cups cream cheese (softened); 1 cup sour cream; 1 1/3 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, whisked; 22 oz cherries, pitted and divided; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup sugar

This Cherry Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety smooth cream cheese filling, all crowned with a luscious homemade cherry topping. Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly manageable, taking just over an hour to prepare. The contrast between the tangy cheesecake and sweet cherry topping creates a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweet cherry topping, creating a dessert that’s rich without being overwhelming.
Impressive Yet Doable: While this cheesecake looks like it came from a professional bakery, it’s actually quite straightforward to make—even for those who don’t consider themselves bakers!
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert actually gets better after sitting in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining or preparing a day in advance.
Customizable: The basic cheesecake recipe provides a perfect canvas for different toppings if cherries aren’t your favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs: Creates that classic cheesecake foundation with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that complements the filling beautifully.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
Butter: The glue that holds your crust together, giving it that rich, buttery taste that makes a great cheesecake crust irresistible.

For the Filling:

Cream cheese: The star of the show! Make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest results without lumps.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and creates that silky texture that melts in your mouth.
Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and sour cream.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the filling. Always add them last and mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air.

For the Cherry Topping:

Cherries: Fresh or frozen work equally well. They bring a bright, fruity sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give your cherry topping that perfect consistency.
Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries and helps create that syrupy consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Cherry: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter or drizzle chocolate sauce over the finished cheesecake.
Almond Cherry: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds around the edge of the finished cheesecake.
Mixed Berry: Replace half or all of the cherries with a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Lemon Cherry: Add the zest of one lemon to the cheesecake filling for a bright, citrusy note that pairs wonderfully with cherries.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 150C/300F. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth—this is crucial for a lump-free cheesecake! Add the sour cream and sugar, beating until the mixture is silky smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold in the whisked eggs one at a time. The key here is to incorporate them without overmixing, which can lead to cracks later.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust. Bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—think of how Jell-O moves. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before adding the topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Cherry Topping

In a food processor, blend about two-thirds of your cherries with cornstarch until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan, add sugar, and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining chopped cherries. Let this mixture cool completely, giving it an occasional stir.

Step 5: Assemble

Once both your cheesecake and cherry topping have cooled completely, spread the topping evenly over the cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are all at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
Water Bath Wonder: For even baking and to prevent cracks, consider using a water bath. Simply wrap the outside of your springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water before baking.
Patience Pays Off: Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause your cheesecake to crack or sink.
The Cooling Process: After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour before removing it. This prevents the dramatic temperature change that can cause cracks.

How to Serve

Cherry Cheesecake is a versatile dessert that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

Elegant Dinner Party:

Serve thin slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh cherry on top, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Casual Family Dessert:

Larger slices work well for family gatherings. Serve as is or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the chocolate lovers in your life.

Beverages:

Pair with coffee, espresso, or a dessert wine like Moscato. For a non-alcoholic option, a cup of hot tea or a cold glass of milk complements the richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as the ingredients meld together.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully! You can freeze the whole cheesecake or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat cheesecake—in fact, it’s best served cold. Simply thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Why did my cheesecake crack, and how can I prevent it?

Cracks usually happen due to overmixing (which incorporates too much air), sudden temperature changes, or overbaking. To prevent cracks, mix ingredients just until combined, use a water bath, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and cool the cheesecake gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.
Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly for this recipe and are often more convenient than fresh, especially when cherries aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before measuring to ensure your topping has the right consistency.
Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removing and serving the cheesecake much easier, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan in a pinch. Line it with parchment paper with overhang on the sides to help lift the cheesecake out after it’s completely chilled.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or reduced fat?

You can substitute part of the cream cheese with Neufchâtel cheese (1/3 less fat cream cheese) and use light sour cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just avoid fat-free products as they often contain additives that can affect the texture and baking properties.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate! The creamy cheesecake layer paired with the vibrant cherry topping creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps; each one is simple, and the result is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cheesecake for the first time, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try for your next special occasion—or create a special occasion just to enjoy this remarkable dessert!