Cranberry Bliss Cheesecake: A Festive Twist on Classic Dessert

Cranberry Banana Cheesecake Recipe

🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🥣 Servings: 12 slices
🥧 Category: Cheesecake
🔍 Keywords: Dessert, Cheese, Kosher, Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours

Description:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of tangy cranberries and sweet bananas with this Cranberry Banana Cheesecake recipe, a delightful creation borrowed from the Dole Company. Perfectly suited for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this cheesecake offers a unique alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, adding a burst of flavor to your dessert spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups light cream cheese
• Zest of lemons
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas
• 3/4 cup light sour cream

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 404.9
• Fat: 21.1g
• Saturated Fat: 9.5g
• Cholesterol: 47.1mg
• Sodium: 385.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 38.1g
• Protein: 7.1g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Crust:

   • In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted margarine.
   • Press the mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9 or 10-inch springform pan.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
   • Allow it to cool completely.

2. Prepare Cranberry Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and cornstarch.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens.
   • Set aside 1/2 cup of the cranberry filling for later use as topping.

3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat together light cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
   • Puree bananas and blend into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.

4. Assemble Cheesecake:

   • Spoon 2 cups of the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust.
   • Spread the prepared cranberry filling over the cream cheese layer.
   • Cover with the remaining cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.

5. Bake:

   • Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until the center is set.

6. Prepare Topping:

   • In a small bowl, combine light sour cream and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
   • Spread the sour cream mixture over the baked cheesecake.

7. Add Cranberry Glaze:

   • Spoon the reserved 1/2 cup cranberry topping in the center of the cheesecake to form a circle.
   • Gently swirl the cranberry and sour cream toppings together.

8. Final Bake:

   • Return the cheesecake to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the glaze is firm.

9. Cooling:

   • Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving.

Serving:

Once cooled, slice the Cranberry Banana Cheesecake into 12 servings and serve chilled. This exquisite dessert is sure to impress your guests with its irresistible blend of flavors. Enjoy the creamy texture complemented by the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of bananas, making it a delightful treat for any occasion!