Cherry Cheesecake is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a sweet-tart cherry topping, this classic cheesecake is elegant enough for holidays yet simple enough for family dinners. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, velvety filling, every bite feels indulgent and comforting.
This is the kind of dessert that brings people to the table and keeps them lingering for just one more slice.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 10–12 slices.
Prep time is 20 minutes, with 55–60 minutes of baking time, plus cooling and chilling.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
For the topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat again until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the sour cream until the filling is smooth.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Once fully chilled, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Storage
Store Cherry Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen without the topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add cherries before serving.
Why This Dessert Is a Classic
Cherry Cheesecake combines everything people love in a dessert—creamy texture, buttery crust, and a bright, fruity finish. It’s dependable, crowd-pleasing, and always feels special, no matter the occasion. One slice is never enough, and that’s exactly why it remains a favorite year after year.
Enjoy !!
