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    Easy Cherry Cheesecake (The Best Homemade Graham Cracker Crust)

    by Brendan Cunningham 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This cherry cheesecake is so silky, perfectly sweet, and has such a delicious flavor. And it's made with a tender graham cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Not to mention, it's so, so easy to make - just 10 minutes of prep work is all you need to make it.

    A side view of a cherry cheesecake on a cake stand. A pie spatula holds a slice of cheesecake over the cake stand as if to dish it onto a plate.

    Table of Contents

    • The Best Cherry Cheesecake
      • Ingredients
      • How to Make Cherry Cheesecake
        • Step 1: Prep Work
        • Step 2: Cook The Crust
        • Step 3: Make The Cheesecake Filling
        • Step 4: Bake The Cheesecake
        • Step 5: Prepare The Cherry Topping
        • Step 6: Serve The Cheesecake
      • How To Store Cherry Cheesecake
      • Wrapping It All Up
    • More Dessert Recipes
    • Easy Cherry Cheesecake (The Best Homemade Graham Cracker Crust)
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Nutrition
      • Did you make this recipe?

    The Best Cherry Cheesecake

    If you love cherry cheesecake, just wait until you try this recipe! This cheesecake combines sweet, tart cherries with the most smooth and creamy cheesecake filling you'll ever have. And it's all on top of a tender, buttery graham cracker crust.

    And the best part about this cheesecake recipe is how easy it is to make. I know cheesecakes can sometimes be intimidating, but this one is quite simple. Six simple steps & 10 minutes of prep work are all it takes to put this dessert together.

    Honestly, it's so good that once you try a taste this, you'll be looking for every excuse there is to make this smooth and creamy cheesecake.

    So, if you’re hosting a birthday party - or if you want to bring a delicious dessert to a friend’s dinner party - this cheesecake might just be the dessert you're looking for. Just be aware it's going to be the talk of the party! 

    Oh, and if you love cheesecake, this no bake cheesecake with cool whip and these no bake mini cheesecake bites are two desserts you have to try next!

    Anyway, let's not waste any more time, let's jump right into the details of the best cherry cheesecake recipe.

    An overhead view of a slice of cherry cheesecake on a small plate. A scoop has been taken out of it and sits in a spoon beside the slice.

    Ingredients

    To make this cherry cheesecake recipe, you only need a few common ingredients. In fact, there's a good chance you have these at home already.

    Here's what you'll need to make the traditional cherry cheesecake crust and cherry pie filling: 

    • 2 cups Graham Crackers Crumbled
    • 3 tbsp. Melted Butter
    • 16 oz. Full Fat Cream Cheese
    • ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
    • 3 Eggs
    • 1 cups Greek Yogurt
    • 1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

    And for the cherry topping, you'll only need:

    • 2 cups Frozen Pitted Cherries, + Some Fresh Ones To Serve
    • ½ cup Sugar
    • 2 tbsp. Cornstarch
    • 1 Lemon, Squeezed

    Now, if you want to save some time, you can use a premade graham cracker crust. But I personally like to use graham cracker crumbs and butter to make a homemade one. 

    By the way, if you like fruit and cream cheese, make sure to grab some extra cream cheese from the store so you can use it to make this cream cheese fruit dip next!

    Now the fun can begin - let's get to making this cherry cheesecake!

    A close up of a slice of cherry cheesecake on a small plate. A scoop has been taken out of it and sits in a spoon beside the slice.

    How to Make Cherry Cheesecake

    I've broken this process down into small steps, so don't be intimidated by the number of them.

    Also, before you start on it, make sure to let the cream cheese sit out for at least 10 minutes, this will make sure it's softened to create that smooth and creamy filling.

    An overhead view of a foil lined springform pan with graham crackeer crumbs on it. There are multiple bowls containing the needed ingredients to make a homemade cherry cheesecake.

    Step 1: Prep Work

    First things first, you'll want to preheat the oven to 350ºF (180°C). Next, you can line a springform pan with parchment paper and set it aside for later on. 

    An overhead view of a bowl with cream cheese in the bowl being mixed by an electric mixer.

    Now you're going to make the graham cracker crust - that is, of course, if you're making it from scratch.

    So, to make it, you'll want to blend up the graham crackers in a food processor until they are just crumbs.

    Then, add the crumbs to a bowl along with melted butter and use a spatula to mix the butter and graham cracker crumbs until they're fully combined.

    An overhead view of the cheesecake batter in a mixing bowl. The beaters from an electric hand mixer are hanging over the side of the bowl.

    Step 2: Cook The Crust

    Once the graham cracker crumbs and butter are combined, transfer the graham cracker mixture to the springform pan and press it down with the back of a spoon or the back of a measuring cup.

    Then, after it's been pressed down, bake the pie crust for 10 minutes.

    Now, while the crust is cooking, it's time to make the cherry pie filling.

    An overhead view of a springform pan with cheesecake batter in it.

    Step 3: Make The Cheesecake Filling

    So, to make the filling, you'll want to take out a large mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese (room temperature cream cheese) to it. Then, you can mix the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until it reaches a smooth consistency.

    Next, to the same bowl, add the sugar, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.

    Now, after those ingredients have been combined, add each egg one at a time, and mix each one until it combines with the rest of the ingredients. Just keep in mind that you don't want to over-mix when adding the eggs. You don't want your cherry pie mixture to have too much air in it.

    So, once your pie crust has finished cooking - and has cooled completely - you'll want to pour the cheesecake mixture on top of it. 

    A close up of a baked golden-brown cheesecake in a springform pan.

    Step 4: Bake The Cheesecake

    Ok, so now that your homemade cherry pie filling is on the crust, you're going to bake the cheesecake for 60 minutes. The edges should be set, and the middle will still be runny in the cheesecake pan.

    After 60 minutes, turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and leave it in the oven for 60 more minutes until it cools to room temperature.

    An overhead view of cherries in a saucepan with cornstarch and a squeeze of lemon juice.

    Step 5: Prepare The Cherry Topping

    So, once the pie is cooled, you're going to make the cherry topping. Start by combining the frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan and cook on medium-low for around 5 minutes. The main thing you're looking for is for the topping to reduce and thicken up.

    Then, once the topping has reduced, add it to the top of your cheesecake and chill it in the fridge for 2-3 hours.

    A close-up of cherries in a sauce pan being stirred by a metal spoon.

    Step 6: Serve The Cheesecake

    After the cheesecake chills in the fridge for 2-3 hours, you can take it out of the springform pan and let it come down to room temperature for a minute, then slice it into 8 pieces.

    Finally, serve the cheesecake with some fresh cherries and whipped cream on top, and enjoy!

    A cherry cheesecake piled high with cherries on a cake stand.

    How To Store Cherry Cheesecake

    So if you're serving this to a group of people, there's a small chance that any cheesecake will be leftover. But if you just make it for yourself or your family, you might end up having some leftover slices.

    And, if you do, you can store the cherry cheesecake in an airtight container or in the tray wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for about 2-3 days.

    By the way, if you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze cherry cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Just transfer it to an airtight container to store in the freezer. Then whenever you want a slice, just let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. And it's pretty delicious chilled, so you won't have to wait long.

    An overhead view of a slice of cherry cheesecake on a small plate. A scoop has been taken out of it and sits in a spoon beside the slice.

    Wrapping It All Up

    Well, that is how to make cherry cheesecake!

    It's the perfect dessert to serve if you're looking for something fresh and decadent with the perfect balance of flavors. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, it will satisfy anyone's dessert craving.

    Honestly, people will be asking you which bakery you bought this delicious cherry cheesecake from! 

    Anyway, I hope you enjoy this cherry cheesecake as much as I do.

    As always, if you make it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And for more recipes, make sure to check out our Instagram and YouTube.

    An overhead view of a cherry cheesecake on a cake stand.

    More Dessert Recipes

    If you liked this cherry cheesecake recipe, we have a ton of delicious desserts I think you'll like just as much.

    Give one of these a try next:

    • Biscoff cheesecake
    • Churro cheesecake bars
    • No bake banana pudding
    • Strawberry crunch cake
    • Peppermint cheesecake
    Print

    Easy Cherry Cheesecake (The Best Homemade Graham Cracker Crust)

    A close up of a slice of cherry cheesecake on a small plate. A scoop has been taken out of it and sits in a spoon beside the slice.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 6 reviews

    This cherry cheesecake is so silky, perfectly sweet, and has such a delicious flavor. And it's made with a tender graham cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Not to mention, it's so, so easy to make - just 10 minutes of prep work is all you need to make it.

    • Author: Brendan Cunningham
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 60 minutes
    • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    • Yield: 8 slices 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: Cheesecake

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Cherry cheesecake crust and filling: 

    2 cups Graham Crackers Crumbled

    3 tbsp. Melted Butter

    16 oz. Cream Cheese

    ¾ cup Granulated Sugar

    3 Eggs

    1 cups Greek Yogurt

    1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

    Cherry topping:

    2 cups Frozen Pitted Cherries, + some fresh to serve

    ½ cup Sugar

    2 tbsp. Cornstarch

    1 Lemon, squeezed

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180°C).
    2. Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
    3. In a food processor, process graham crackers until they are just crumbs. Mix with the melted butter.
    4. Transfer the graham cracker crumbs to the pan and press with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10 minutes.
    5. In a big bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer.
    6. Add sugar, eggs, greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until creamy.
    7. Pour the mixture over the crust.
    8. Bake for 60 minutes (the edges should be set and the middle still runny). Turn off the oven, open the door slightly and leave it there for 1 hour. Let it cool.
    9. For the cherry topping, combine frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon in a saucepan and cook for 5 minutes.
    10. Add the topping to the top of the cooled cheesecake and chill for 2-3 hours.
    11. Serve the cheesecake with fresh cherries on top.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 395
    • Fat: 21
    • Carbohydrates: 38
    • Protein: 10

    Keywords: cherry cheesecake, cherry cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake, how to make cherry cheesecake, cherry cheesecake recipe baked, cherry cheesecake recipe easy, cherry cheesecake recipe from scratch, cherry cheesecake recipe philadelphia cream cheese

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us @ImHungryForThat — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Trish

      July 09, 2022 at 1:22 pm

      Made this for a family reunion and everyone loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Alina

      July 10, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      Perfect way to use up my cherries during cherry season. It was divine.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Kevina

      July 12, 2022 at 10:09 am

      Whoa this was so good! I can't wait to make it again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Samantha

      February 17, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      Obsessed with this recipe. I've made it about a hundred times!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Taylor

      February 18, 2023 at 9:59 pm

      This was the best cheesecake I've ever made. TYFS

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Wren

      February 19, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      Followed this recipe to a T and it’s a winner y’all. Whole family loved it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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