Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (loosely packed) light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces (3 8-ounce bricks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
This luscious cherry swirl cheesecake, with a traditional graham cracker crust, plated on a pool of cherry sauce is a delicious way to enjoy summer cherries!
Instructions
To make the cherry sauce:
- Place the cherries in a small pot, along with the water, sugar, and cornstarch
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and jammy.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and almond extract, and puree in a blender.
To make the crust:
- Place the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch diameter cake pan, greased and lined with parchment.
- Press the crust into the bottom of the pan.
To make the cheesecake:
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Place the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl and mix on medium-low speed until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
- Add the cream and almond extract, and stir to combine.
- Pour the batter over the crust, and rap sharply on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
- Drizzle about half the cherry sauce over the unbaked cheesecake, and swirl with the tip of a sharp knife.
- Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish and pour very hot water ¾ of the way up the sides of the pan.
- Bake the cheesecake for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 300° F and bake for an additional 65-75 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly toward the center.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool for one hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
- Flip the cheesecake out of the pan and invert onto a serving plate.
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Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then garnish with remaining sauce.