CREAMY CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake image

This creamy cheesecake is perfect for holiday desserts. The colorful topping is so good that I prepare it separately and use it as a cranberry side dish at Thanksgiving. -Mary Simonson, Kelso, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h35m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

9 whole cinnamon graham crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon plus 1 cup sugar, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, cubed
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 large egg whites, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rum extract
TOPPING:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons water
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

Combine the cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a 9-in. springform pan coated with cooking spray. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and remaining sugar until smooth. Add egg whites; beat on low just until combined. Stir in lemon juice and extracts. Pour into crust. , Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Place in a larger baking pan. Add 1 in. hot water to larger pan. , Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is just set. Remove pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Remove foil. Chill overnight. , In a small saucepan, combine the first five topping ingredients; bring to a boil. Add cranberries. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 10 minutes. Stir in pecans; cool. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. , Spoon topping over cheesecake to within 1 in. of edges. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 294mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.