Save These festive Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake Bars combine the bright citrus flavor of orange with tart cranberries atop a velvety smooth cheesecake layer. The contrast of the vibrant ruby topping against the creamy filling creates an elegant dessert that's perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a special treat.
I first created these bars for a Christmas dinner party when I needed something festive but didn't have time for a full cheesecake. The combination was such a hit that they've become my signature holiday dessert, requested by family members year after year.
Ingredients
- For the Crust: Graham cracker crumbs create the perfect buttery foundation with their subtle honey sweetness
- Granulated sugar: enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust
- Unsalted butter: use high quality for best flavor as it creates the rich base
- Salt: balances sweetness and brings out the graham flavor
- For the Cheesecake Filling: Cream cheese choose full fat Philadelphia or similar brand at room temperature for the smoothest texture
- Granulated sugar: provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the citrus notes
- Large eggs: act as the binding agent for perfect texture look for free range for best flavor
- Orange zest: contains essential oils that provide intense citrus flavor use organic oranges if possible
- Fresh orange juice: adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich cream cheese
- Vanilla extract: pure not imitation enhances the overall flavor profile
- Sour cream: adds tanginess and creates a silky smooth texture
- For the Cranberry Topping: Fresh or frozen cranberries either work perfectly select plump berries with good color
- Granulated sugar: tames the natural tartness of cranberries
- Water: helps create the perfect jammy consistency
- Orange juice and zest: complements the cranberries and ties the flavors to the cheesecake layer
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Make sure the parchment is pressed firmly into corners to prevent any filling from seeping underneath.
- Create the Perfect Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and salt in a medium bowl ensuring even distribution. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Every crumb should be moistened. Press firmly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even compact layer. Bake at 325°F for exactly 10 minutes until just set and fragrant.
- Whip the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat room temperature cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps whatsoever about 2 minutes on medium speed. Add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy about 1 minute more. Add eggs one at a time beating just until incorporated after each addition. Overmixing after adding eggs can trap air and cause cracks. Gently fold in orange zest juice vanilla and sour cream with a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be silky smooth with visible flecks of orange zest.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust spreading evenly to the edges. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is just set but still has a slight wobble. The edges might puff slightly but shouldn't brown. Turn off the oven and crack the door allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 10 minutes before removing to prevent cracking.
- Create the Cranberry Topping:
- Combine cranberries sugar water and orange juice and zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as mixture comes to a simmer. Listen for the cranberries to begin popping about 5 minutes in. Continue cooking until most berries have burst and mixture thickens to a jammy consistency about 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely the mixture will thicken further as it cools.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spread the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. With a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts slice into 16 squares for the perfect portion size.
Save The orange zest is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once made these without it during a holiday baking marathon. The difference was remarkable the zest contains essential oils that infuse the entire cheesecake with bright citrus notes that perfectly complement the tart cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These cheesecake bars actually improve with time as the flavors meld together. For best results make them at least 8 hours before serving and store covered in the refrigerator. The bars will keep perfectly for up to 4 days refrigerated though they rarely last that long in my house.
For longer storage individual bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture remains remarkably creamy even after freezing.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Berry Version Replace cranberries with fresh raspberries or a mixture of summer berries. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice instead of orange juice to the topping. Incorporate 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the cheesecake filling.
Fall Harvest Edition Substitute apple cider for orange juice in the filling. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the crust mixture. Top with sautéed cinnamon apples instead of cranberry topping.
Winter Holiday Variation Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom to the filling. Incorporate 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier to the cranberry topping. Garnish with candied orange peel before serving.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cheesecake develops cracks it likely baked too quickly. Next time try placing a pan of water on the rack below to create humidity in the oven. Remember that the cranberry topping will cover any imperfections so no need to worry too much.
For clean slices dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking to the blade and creates professional looking bars.
If your crust seems too crumbly you may need to add an additional tablespoon of melted butter. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
Save These bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various seasons and celebrations. Enjoy exploring these different flavor profiles!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I know when the cheesecake filling is set?
The filling should be just set in the center with a slight jiggle. Overbaking can cause cracks, so check after 30 minutes.
- → Can I use frozen cranberries for the topping?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. There's no need to thaw before cooking in the saucepan.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 4 days. Serve chilled for best texture.
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute and provides a similar tang and creamy texture in the cheesecake layer.
- → What pairs well as a beverage?
Try serving with sparkling wine, citrus-based cocktails, or a cup of herbal tea for a refreshing accompaniment.