Unbaked Cherry Cheesecake: A Family Christmas Tradition
This delightful Unbaked Cherry Cheesecake recipe, lovingly passed down from my mother, has been a cherished part of our family’s Christmas celebrations for the past 18 years. With its creamy texture and the refreshing tang of cherry topping, this cheesecake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than thirty minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons. Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors, has solidified its status as a beloved dessert in our home, one that my family looks forward to every year.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 1 (8 oz) |
| Icing sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Butter (melted) | 5 tbsp |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 can (21 oz) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 558.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 34.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 102.5 mg |
| Sodium | 316.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 59.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 30.1 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Begin by placing the cream cheese and icing sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to blend these two ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the vanilla extract. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks begin to form. This will give your cheesecake a light and fluffy texture.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Take care to fold rather than stir to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream, ensuring a light and airy cheesecake filling.
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Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and white sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
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Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9 or 10-inch springform pan, or alternatively, use a 10-inch pie plate. Make sure the crust is packed tightly to hold the filling.
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Add the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.
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Top with Cherry Filling: Open the can of cherry pie filling and spoon it generously over the cheesecake filling, spreading it out evenly to cover the top.
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Chill: Finally, place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to chill for about one hour. This step is crucial, as it allows the cheesecake to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve it cold. For an extra festive touch, consider garnishing each slice with additional whipped cream or fresh cherries. This Unbaked Cherry Cheesecake is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence for your family.
Conclusion
With its creamy filling and delightful cherry topping, this Unbaked Cherry Cheesecake embodies the spirit of family and tradition, bringing joy to our festive table every year. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this recipe promises to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy creating your own sweet memories with this delicious dessert!
