This luscious cherry swirl cheesecake, with a traditional graham cracker crust, plated on a pool of cherry sauce is a delicious way to enjoy summer cherries!
Instructions
To make the cherry sauce:
- Place the cherries in a small pot, along with the water, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and jammy.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and almond extract, and puree in a blender.
To make the crust:
- Place the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch diameter cake pan, greased and lined with parchment.
- Press the crust into the bottom of the pan.
To make the cheesecake:
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Place the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl and mix on medium-low speed until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
- Add the cream and almond extract, and stir to combine.
- Pour the batter over the crust, and rap sharply on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Drizzle about half the cherry sauce over the unbaked cheesecake, and swirl with the tip of a sharp knife.
- Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish and pour very hot water ¾ of the way up the sides of the pan.
- Bake the cheesecake for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 300° F and bake for an additional 65-75 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly toward the center.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool for one hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
- Flip the cheesecake out of the pan and invert onto a serving plate. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then garnish with remaining sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 566
- Fat Content: 37.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 196mg
- Sodium Content: 448mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 49.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 36.1g
- Protein Content: 9.8g
Ingredients
**Cherry Sauce
2 1/2 cups fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
**Graham Cracker Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup (loosely packed) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
**Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces (3 8-ounce bricks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon almond extract