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Here’s a Festive Fruitcake Cheesecake recipe that blends the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the colorful, spiced fruits and nuts of a traditional fruitcake. It’s perfect for the holidays, offering a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Festive Fruitcake Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Fruitcake Layer:
- 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup candied pineapple, chopped
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried currants
- 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup bourbon, rum, or orange juice (for soaking)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra candied cherries, raisins, and nuts for decoration
- Whipped cream or sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruitcake Layer:
- In a small bowl, combine the candied cherries, candied pineapple, golden raisins, dried currants, chopped candied ginger, and nuts.
- Pour the bourbon, rum, or orange juice over the fruit and nut mixture and toss to coat. Let this mixture soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts or pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and continue to beat until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the sour cream and flour until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add the Fruitcake Layer:
- Gently fold the soaked fruit and nut mixture into the cheesecake batter, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly. The edges should be lightly browned, and the cheesecake should be firm but not cracked.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour to cool gradually (this helps prevent cracking).
6. Chill the Cheesecake:
- After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it and allow it to come to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, you can garnish the cheesecake with additional candied fruits, raisins, and nuts. Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream or sour cream for extra richness.
- Slice and enjoy your Festive Fruitcake Cheesecake!
Tips:
- Non-Alcoholic Option: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can soak the fruit and nuts in orange juice or apple juice for a flavorful alternative.
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. It actually gets better with time as the flavors of the fruitcake layer continue to develop.
- Variation: You can adjust the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) to your taste. You can also add a bit of candied ginger or a pinch of ground cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
This Festive Fruitcake Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake and the holiday flavors of fruitcake. It’s a perfect, show-stopping dessert for your holiday gatherings!