FESTIVE CRANBERRY-TOPPED CHEESECAKE

Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake image

When my daughter was 4 months old, my husband and I hosted both our families for Christmas dinner. I served this cheesecake for dessert. It's quite festive and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. -Stacy Dutka, Bienfait, Saskatchewan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h25m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 6-8 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the orange juice and zest, vanilla and cinnamon. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour filling over crust. , Return pan to baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Combine cornstarch and orange juice until smooth; stir into cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature. Stir in pecans. Spoon over cheesecake. Refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 537 calories, Fat 33g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 129mg cholesterol, Sodium 299mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.