Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Cranberry Layered Cheesecake



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I was seduced by its color and because I'm weak, this five layered cranberry confection ended up on my table. I normally don't make desserts that are this involved. As a matter of fact, I rarely make cheesecakes at all. I love them, mind you. I just can't convince myself that the protein packed into all that cream cheese offsets the fat and calories that keep the protein company. The first time I saw this cake was on the table of an accomplished cake decorator. It was gorgeous and its garnet glow snared me before reason could take hold. I made a homely version of the cake, one precious time consuming layer at a time, and thought that would be the end of it. I never dreamed Bob would like it. He did and now I'm dealing with a case of unintended consequences. I'll have to make the cake again. The cake begins with an almond flavored crust that is partially filled with a sweetened cheese custard and then topped with a cranberry filling. The garnet layer is then smothered with the rest of the custard before being topped with sweetened sour cream. The cake bakes a considerable while, and then is cooled and chilled for a considerable while, before a final layer of cranberries crown the cake and decorations of almond whipped cream are applied. It is a lovely tangy cake that provides irresistible color on the holiday table. The recipe was developed by Teri Rasey for Taste of Home magazine. Despite the work, I'm glad to recommend this cake to you. I've made a few changes to the original recipe. which you can find here. My version of the recipe appears below. I suggest that you add salt and almond extract to the crust and that you eliminate the ground almonds from the whipped cream. Let the cake chill for 24 hours before serving. This is a very nice recipe and, if you like cheesecake, it will be a great addition to your files. Here's how it's made.

Cranberry Layered Cheesecake...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Teri Rasey and Taste of Home magazine

Ingredients:
Pastry Layer
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Cranberry Layer
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cranberry juice
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Cream Cheese Layer
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs, lightly beaten
Sour Cream Topping
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:
1) In a food processor, finely chop dried cranberries. Add flour, almonds and confectioners' sugar, salt and almond extract; process until blended. Add butter; pulse just until crumbly.
2) Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 in. up sides of a greased 10-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
3) In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch; stir in cranberry juice until smooth. Add berries. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Set aside.
4) In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat just until combined. Pour half of batter into crust. Carefully spoon 3/4 cup berry mixture over batter; top with remaining batter.
5) Bake for 45 minutes. Reduce heat to 250°. Bake 25-30 minutes longer or until center is almost set. Combine sour cream, sugar and vanilla; spread over top. Bake 20-30 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Spread remaining berry mixture over the top. Refrigerate overnight.
6) Beat cream with sugar and almond extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe around top edge of cheesecake. Yield: 16 servings.

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You might also enjoy these recipes:
Caramel Cheesecake - Wild Yeast
Mini Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecakes - Dessarts
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie - The Sweet's Life
German Cheesecake - Anja's Food 4 Thought
Pumpkin Toffee Cheesecake - The Other Side of 50
Pumpkin Cheesecake - Simply Recipes

73 comments :

Tasha said...

It's a shame I'm such a lazy baker, because this sounds phenomenal. I love cranberry anthing and I bet their tang is a wonderful contrast to the creamy, sweet cheesecake. I will keep this in mind in case I ever get a lot of motivation.

Chele said...

I am feeling soooooooo seduced right now lol

Unknown said...

Oh wow, I love the layers. It would be fun to explain it to guests. Lovely picture too.

Flavia Galasso said...

if this cheesecake is good half of your muffins...I'm going to taste it!!!

On my blog...there are your muffins....thank you for recipe....hugs, Flavia

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

First, your cheesecake looks fantastic! So, rich, creamy and decadent looking! I'd love it with a cup of tea! Second, you've given me an idea on how to turn my low-fat pumpkin cheesecake into cranberry cheesecake! Finally, I can't wait to try it! My hubby's diabetic so we watch the sugar etc. and he just announced that his weight is at the lowest he's been since we've been married! Have a great day!

Mary

Faith said...

Mmm, this looks delicious, Mary! I love the tart cranberry flavor with the sweet cheese...and the color is gorgeous!

Biren @ Roti n Rice said...

That's a gorgeous cheesecake! Who can resist that color? I can see why you were seduced by it.

PeggyR said...

That looks very fattening, but delicious!

Natalie said...

I'm practically drooling looking at this! YUM!

pam said...

Well, it's a little more work then I usually do, but I would LOVE for someone to make it for me! Any offers?

Lynn said...

This looks spectacular Mary! So perfect for the holidays:@)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Yummmmmmmy looking, thanks for sharing the recipe. hugs ~lynne~

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is SO pretty, and would be perfect at Christmas!

aipi said...

A very refined n elegant dessert..perfect color for holidays!

US Masala

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

wow is that pretty... saving this for special occasions... like Christmas!

Unknown said...

I don't make cheesecake much either because I know once sitting on my table I wouldn't be able to tear myself away!

This is beautiful and I love the almond flavor throughout! It's one of my favorites!

Juliana said...

Mary, this is prettiest cheesecake that I've seen...great color and taste with cranberries. Absolutely delicious with all the yummie layers :-)

Cherine said...

What a beautiful piece of cheesecake!! Looks mouthwatering!

Joanne said...

Um. Wow. I'm going to a holiday potluck next week and i have a feeling I HAVE to bring this.

Rachana said...

What a lovely Cake! Looks delicious.

Alessandra said...

I love the idea that it is layered, and the use of cranberries, since I know so little about those berries!

Thank you Mary :-)

Diane said...

Mmmmmmmmmm this looks fantastic and I am sure it tastes as delicious. Diane

Allie said...

oh wow that looks amazing!! Fantastic photo too!!

Priya Suresh said...

Marvellous, very tempting cheesecake..

Eileen said...

Wow, that looks wonderful. I can see why you would have to try it. :)

Kim said...

WOW! I think it will be THE cake that I will serve on Christman eve! Thanks a lot!

Hayley said...

I love cheesecake....and this one making me drool here..bookmarking it..

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Questa è una torta veramente favolosa :))))
Buona giornata.
Myriam :)

FOODESSA said...

What is it they say about great things come to people who wait...and boy oh boy is that cheesecake a delight to look forward to. I'm not surprised how your Hubby is now asking for a sweet repeat ;o)

I love cranberries and this certainly is a fabulous way to gobble them up ;o)

Great recipe Mary and thanks for putting your personal touch on it too.

Flavourful wishes,
Claudia

Janice said...

Wow it's beautiful, bet it tastes great too!

Sushma Mallya said...

Looks so yummy feel like having a bite:)

The Blonde Duck said...

That looks like a plate of Christmas heaven!

nanny said...

that picture made me melt.......ohhh it looks so good!

Tom said...

One correction to your recipe. It says it serves 16. If you put that in front of me, I'm afraid it would only serve one. Looks delicious.

Anonymous said...

I adore cheesecake.
And this one is so beautiful!
I love the colour of the cranberries.

Unknown said...

Mary, the cheesecake is simply stunning. yum. I presented you with an award on my blog. I hope you accept it :)
Have a great day. Michael

♥ Kathy said...

Did you say cheesecake? I'm there!

Unknown said...

Oh my, Mary...that looks divine! If there's a piece left I call dibs on it!!!

Emily Z said...

I have yet to try to make my own cheesecake... I am still getting into the baking thing! But this looks wonderful and the flavors with the cranberry makes my mouth water a little! Lovely job!

penny aka jeroxie said...

that is awesomeness in one cake. loving the layers.

Julie said...

I love to make cheesecakes! This one looks amazing! The picture is mouth watering!!

This may be my Christmas Eve dessert.

Taylor said...

This looks beyond delicious! Now I need a reason to make a cheesecake!

Carol said...

Have to say, this looks more amazing than any cheesecake I have ever seen! WOW!

Anonymous said...

Your cheesecake looks so delicious, perfect to serve to guests (if it lasts that long) :)

Elin Chia said...

Mary..this is so delicious and now I know what I am going to bake for Xmas....this is so good...delectable ! thank you so much for your sharing and have a happy time baking for the coming Xmas...
Cheers,
Elin

Zurin said...

This is fabulous!!! Ive never seen a cheesecake this good. Im bookmarking this....I just want, need, desire a huge slice of this. O. MY. GOD.

Unknown said...

this really isn't fair. I mean, I'm sitting here, eating leftover pumpkin cheesecake and I'm drooling over another cheesecake!! What a beauty!

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Oh my goodness Mary - that looks amazing!!

Mrs K said...

I can completely understand why it was hard for you to resist this piece of heaven. I have never baked a cheese cake but like all your other recipes this one too is calling for attention :)

Mage said...

OMG! I promise to myself not to indulge too much confections but this one push my discipline to limits. Very inviting, though I am a lousy baker I would certainly take note of the recipe for reference! Thanks for the share!

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Banana Wonder said...

This cake is stunning, Mary! I love the tart and cheese flavor combination. I'm sure glad you decided to make it :)

Sanjeeta kk said...

The most sinful yet delicious treat, Mary :)

cocoa and coconut said...

Mary, I'm not a huge cheesecake fan. I mean, I'll eat it now and then as long as its pretty plain. But when I saw this come up on my blog dashboard, I simply had to click and pop on over! This looks so lush and smooth and satisfying. I really could dive in to this happily :)

kitchen flavours said...

Your cake looks beautiful and delicious! Cheesecakes are always fantastic with berries. Thanks for sharing this!

June said...

Wow - that is one beautiful cheesecake. It's going on my holiday baking list immediately. Thanks Mary - you've done it again!

Jamie said...

Wow! Blown away! This is sensational and so festive! You are one talented baker - and loads of patience! Fabulous dessert!

eatgood4life.blogspot.com said...

Wow, just found your blog. What a delicious cake you posted today. Wish could have a little bite, great picture by the way :-)

Alicia said...

This looks quite complicated... but I'm sure it's well worth it. Beautiful!

flying eagle woman said...

I'm literally speechless...(wipes drool from keyboard) I would love to make this but I'm afraid I might just go ahead and eat the whole thing!

I do know this: I will come back often and look at the picture
(big cheesy grin)
Shawna

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Oh, Mary I think I'm in love! That is one amazing cheesecake!
~ingrid

The Food Hound said...

Don't you hate it when tremendously involved recipes turn out to be... tremendous? Then I feel compelled to make them again, even if they took me all day the first time around, haha! But it looks delicious and CLEARLY worth the effort!

Elisa said...

this looks heavenly! I was thinking of baking a plain cheesecake for hubby's bday. I'm tempted to make this recipe but considering it has to be chilled for 24 hours, hubby would not go for that. hehe he would want to eat it right away. but I would like to try it in the near future. so I will bookmark it.thanks Mary. I don't blame Bob for asking you to make it again, because your photo is just too perfect!

CaSaundraLeigh said...

I am not much a dessert person, but when it comes to cheesecake, I can never get enough! This looks amazing. :-)

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I saw this and caught myself drooling Mary:D

Peggy said...

I'm definitely saving this cheesecake for when my fiance is especially good! He loves cheesecake and I know he would just devour this!

Camala - CC Recipe said...

What a fantastically delicious looking cheesecake, such a great holiday dessert, thanks for sharing!

June said...

I made this for our Christmas dessert and Mary, it was unspeakably delicious! Thank you so much for sharing it. You're a true GEM! Happy New Year!

conference tables said...

Wow! This really looks so yummy! I want to have some. I am definitely drooling right now.

Caroline B. said...

Very beautiful Mary! your new follower, Caroline B. blog tomates cerises et Basilic (Canada)

James Bingman said...

I also like cheese cakes very much, but I never saw the one with cranberry. I will give this recipe to my wife and we'll see what is going to happen out of all of this=))

Unknown said...

If ever there was a cheesecake to die for ....this is it ! Fabulous recipe, and although there are a few steps, it really is quite easy, sooo worth the effort ! Thanks for another great recipe Mary !

Betty said...

Quick question...can this cheesecake be frozen...looks wonderful.

June said...

Yes Mary...I'm making this again! Big Guy's special request and how can I refuse. It is fabulous after all. I may not be blogging anymore but I'm still cooking. Happy holidays to you and yours.

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