CRANBERRY CELEBRATION CHEESECAKE

Cranberry Celebration Cheesecake image

This pretty cheesecake is a cranberry and dessert lover's dream. Cool and creamy, it's just right for the holidays-or any day! -Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h35m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
FILLING:
3/4 cup plus 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cranberry juice
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

In a food processor, finely chop dried cranberries. Add flour, almonds and confectioners' sugar; process until blended. Add butter; pulse just until crumbly., 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. , 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., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, vanilla and remaining 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., Bake for 45 minutes. Reduce heat to 250°. Bake 25-30 minutes longer or until center is almost set. Combine the 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., Beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold in ground almonds. Pipe around top edge of cheesecake; sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 626 calories, Fat 40g fat (24g saturated fat), Cholesterol 171mg cholesterol, Sodium 242mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.