Holiday Delight Cheesecake

Holiday Delight Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracker and Cherry Topping

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 60-70 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Holiday Delight Cheesecake is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering. This decadent cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with a sweet cherry pie filling and whipped topping. It is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. The modern version of cheesecake that we know and love today is believed to have originated in New York City in the early 1900s. Holiday Delight Cheesecake is a festive twist on the classic dessert, perfect for celebrating special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp melted margarine
3 packs of fat-free cream cheese (8 oz / 227 g each)
0.75 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp cholesterol-free egg product
1 carton of non-fat lemon yogurt
lite whipped topping
1 can of cherry pie filling

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and margarine. Mix well.
Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9" or 10" spring-form pan. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until light, fluffy, and smooth.
Gradually add lemon juice and egg product. Beat well.
Add lemon yogurt and mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture over the prepared crust.
Loosely cover the spring-form pan with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 60 to 70 minutes or until the center of the cake is set.
Gently run the tip of a knife between the cake and the edge of the pan.
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before removing it from the pan.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator.
Serve the cake topped with cherry pie filling and whipped topping.

Variations

Try using different flavors of pie filling, such as blueberry or strawberry, for a fun twist on this classic dessert.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.
For a chocolatey twist, swirl in some melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.

- Be sure to properly grease your spring-form pan to prevent the crust from sticking.

- When baking the cheesecake, be sure to loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing it from the pan to prevent cracking.

- For best results, chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Delight Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly mix the cheesecake filling until smooth and creamy to ensure a silky texture.

- When baking the cheesecake, be sure to use a water bath to prevent cracking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have graham crackers, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies for the crust.

- If you don't have lemon yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream instead.

- If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can use any other fruit pie filling of your choice.

Make Ahead Tips

Holiday Delight Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply top with the cherry pie filling and whipped topping just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color. - Serve the cheesecake on a decorative platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Holiday Delight Cheesecake pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Holiday Delight Cheesecake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Holiday Delight Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Holiday Delight Cheesecake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Holiday Delight Cheesecake contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Holiday Delight Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Holiday Delight Cheesecake contains dairy (cream cheese, whipped topping) and eggs.

Summary

Holiday Delight Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Holiday Delight Cheesecake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering. With a creamy cheesecake filling, a graham cracker crust, and a sweet cherry pie topping, this dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was still a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were preparing for the holiday season, and my mother had invited her closest friends over for a festive dinner. As we were planning the menu, one of her friends mentioned a delicious cheesecake recipe that she had recently tried at a party.

Intrigued by the idea of a holiday-themed dessert, I begged my mother to ask for the recipe. Her friend kindly shared it with us, and I eagerly copied it down in my best handwriting. The recipe was called Holiday Delight Cheesecake, and it promised to be a showstopper with its layers of creamy cheesecake, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecan topping.

I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this decadent dessert for our holiday gathering. My mother and I spent hours in the kitchen, preparing the ingredients and following the recipe step by step. As the cheesecake baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making our mouths water in anticipation.

When the cheesecake finally emerged from the oven, it looked like a work of art with its golden crust, creamy filling, and vibrant cranberry topping. I couldn't believe that I had actually made something so beautiful and delicious. My mother and her friends were equally impressed, and they couldn't get enough of the Holiday Delight Cheesecake.

From that day on, the recipe became a staple in our family's holiday celebrations. Every year, I would make the cheesecake for our festive gatherings, and it never failed to impress our guests. Over the years, I tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches to make it even more special.

I learned the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother, who passed down their knowledge and recipes to me. They taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare food with love and care. I treasured the moments spent in the kitchen with them, sharing stories and laughter as we cooked together.

As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different recipes and techniques, always striving to improve my culinary skills. The Holiday Delight Cheesecake remained a favorite among my family and friends, who eagerly awaited its appearance at our holiday gatherings.

One year, I decided to enter a baking competition at a local fair. I knew that the Holiday Delight Cheesecake would be the perfect entry, showcasing my skills and creativity. To my delight, the cheesecake won first prize, earning me recognition and praise from the judges and fellow contestants.

The success of the cheesecake at the competition inspired me to share the recipe with others. I started a small baking business from my home, offering custom-made cakes and desserts for special occasions. The Holiday Delight Cheesecake became a bestseller, with customers raving about its decadent flavor and beautiful presentation.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect my craft, honing my baking skills and expanding my repertoire of recipes. I never forgot the joy and satisfaction I felt when I first made the Holiday Delight Cheesecake, a recipe that had become a symbol of my passion for cooking and my love for sharing delicious food with others.

Now, as I look back on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that cooking has brought into my life. The Holiday Delight Cheesecake will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones I love. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that moment in my mother's kitchen, where I first learned to cook with love and creativity.