Elegant Cherry Cheesecake

 

Elegant Cherry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• Fresh cherries and whipped cream, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the crust.
7. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the batter.
8. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cherry pie filling. Use a knife to gently swirl the cherry filling through the batter for a marbled look.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
10. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. Before serving, top with fresh cherries and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: About 450 per serving