- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Make the Cherry Topping
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
- Let cool before spreading over the cheesecake.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Spread the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake.
- Slice and serve chilled!
Serving and Storage Tips
✅ Serve with whipped cream or extra crushed gingersnaps for garnish.
✅ Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
✅ Freeze the cheesecake (without cherries) for up to 2 months—thaw before adding topping.
Variants
- Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter.
- Spiced Cheesecake: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the crust for extra warmth.
- Berry Mix Topping: Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of cherries.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt instead of dairy.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
Yes! It’s a quick alternative, but homemade cherry topping tastes fresher.
2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven.
3. Can I make this crust gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free gingersnap cookies or almond flour instead.
4. Can I make this in a regular pie dish?
Yes, but the baking time may be slightly shorter (35-40 minutes).
5. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a hot knife, wiping it clean between slices for perfect edges.
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