The scent of sunshine and citrus was the first clue. It danced into my kitchen, a playful herald announcing a culinary adventure I couldn't resist. My grandmother, Nana, was whipping up something special, and judging by the twinkle in her eyes, it wasn't your average cherry cheesecake recipe. This was an opera of flavors, a dance of textures, a celebration of summer on a single, gloriously golden plate.
Nana called it her Orange Jubilee Cherry Cheesecake, a title that conjured images of fireworks and flamboyant finales.
And oh, how it lived up to its name! The crust, buttery and fragrant, was infused with the essence of orange zest, a subtle whisper against the rich vanilla bean in the creamy filling. It was a cheesecake recipe transformed, imbued with the spirit of celebration.
But the true stars of the show were the cherries. Plump and juicy, they simmered in a fiery orange jubilee, bathed in the warmth of brandy and kissed by the sweetness of sugar. Each bite was a burst of sunshine, a symphony of sweet and tart, of flame and cream. The orange essence, bright and playful, waltzed across the canvas of the cheesecake, dancing with the cherries in a perfect harmony of flavors.
Years later, with Nana's cherry cheesecake recipe clutched in my hand, I recreated that magic in my own kitchen. The familiar scent of orange and cinnamon filled the air, a tangible thread connecting me to her memory. As I swirled the creamy filling, dotted with ruby-red cherries, I could almost hear her laughter, a whispered encouragement to embrace the joy of baking, of sharing, of transforming a simple cheesecake recipe into a symphony of love and sunshine.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Craving something with natural sweetness? Indulge in this guilt-free masterpiece! The Orange Jubilee Cherry Cheesecake packs a powerhouse of nutrients – creamy calcium from cheesecake, antioxidant-packed cherries, and vitamin C-rich oranges. It's dessert with a wellness bonus, satisfying your sweet tooth and nourishing your body all at once.
INGREDIENTS
For the Citrus-infused Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- Zest of one orange
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 packages (32 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Cherry Jubilee Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- Zest and juice of one orange
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 01- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, orange zest, and sugar for the crust. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
STEP 02
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract, ensuring a well-blended consistency.
STEP 03
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by folding in sour cream. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, creating an even layer. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set.
STEP 04
- While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the Cherry Jubilee Topping by simmering cherries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Once the cheesecake has cooled, spread the Cherry Jubilee Topping evenly over the top.
SERVING IDEAS
- Garnish with orange slices for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra layer of indulgence.
EXTRA TIPS
- Use fresh and ripe oranges for optimal zest and juice.
- Experiment with different cherry varieties for unique flavor profiles.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute almond flour for the graham cracker crumbs.
THE FINAL SLICE
As I savored each decadent mouthful, time seemed to melt away. I was back in Nana's kitchen, sunlight streaming through the window, laughter bubbling like the whipped cream on top. It wasn't just an Orange Jubilee Cherry Cheesecake recipe; it was a portal to summers spent by the lake, of picnics under shade-dappled trees, of Nana's infectious joy bubbling over like the cherries in the jubilee.
The vibrancy of citrus, the playful dance of flame and fruit.
Create your own Orange Jubilee Cherry Cheesecake, a testament to the endless possibilities of baking, a celebration of life in every decadent bite. You might just discover a new family heirloom, a cherry cheesecake recipe that whispers of summer laughter and Nana's infectious joy, forever etched in the sweet symphony of culinary memories.
For more cheesecake recipes like this: Have a quick look!