Name: Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces graham crackers, crushed; 3 ounces unsalted butter, melted; 3 ounces granulated sugar; 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 9 ounces granulated sugar; 2 ounces sour cream, room temperature; 2 ounces heavy cream, room temperature; 4 large eggs, warmed to room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 32 ounces cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted; 8 ounces granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces water; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 tablespoons ClearJel or cornstarch; 2 ounces cool water (for the ClearJel slurry)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you have a soft spot for desserts that are both timeless and bursting with fresh flavor, then this Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, smooth cheesecake meets a vibrant, luscious cherry topping made from scratch, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Every bite feels like a little celebration, thanks to the buttery graham cracker crust, velvety filling, and that irresistible glossy cherry layer that brings it all together. Whether for a special occasion or your next weekend treat, this recipe delivers delight in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, a small bowl contains dark brown liquid, next to it a medium bowl has white granulated sugar. To the right, a large bowl is filled with golden yellow crushed graham crackers. Below the sugar, a large bowl contains a creamy white liquid, while a medium bowl to the right holds bright yellow melted butter. At the bottom left, a medium bowl has fine white powder, and next to it another medium bowl is filled with smooth cream cheese. On the far right, a large bowl is full of shiny red cherry pie filling with whole cherries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first delicious step toward creating a Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe that’s both comforting and impressive. Each ingredient plays a key part in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of this classic dessert.

Graham crackers (6 ounces): These crushed crumbs give your crust a toasty, crunchy base that holds everything together.
Unsalted butter (3 ounces, melted): Ensures your crust is rich and perfectly firm once baked.
Granulated sugar (3 ounces for crust + 9 ounces for filling + 8 ounces for topping): Adds the right level of sweetness throughout each component.
Cream cheese (32 ounces, softened): The star of your cheesecake, making that filling irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Sour cream (2 ounces, room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and richness that balances the sweetness.
Heavy cream (2 ounces, room temperature): Contributes to an ultra-luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs (4 large, warmed): The magic binders that set the filling just right without cracks.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon for filling + 1/4 teaspoon for topping): Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warmth and fragrance into your cheesecake filling.
Cherries (32 ounces, fresh or frozen, pitted): Bursting with natural sweetness and tartness for your glorious homemade topping.
Water (8 ounces for topping + 2 ounces for slurry): Helps simmer the cherries and activate the thickener.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balance to the cherry topping.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Brings a lovely citrus aroma and a hint of zestiness.
ClearJel or cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens your cherry topping into that perfect, glossy consistency.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and position your racks for optimal baking. Crush your graham crackers finely, either using a food processor or a rolling pin inside a bag. Mix these crumbs with melted butter and sugar until everything sticks together beautifully. Press this mixture firmly into your springform pan lined with parchment paper, making sure to cover the bottom and edges evenly. Bake for a quick 5 minutes until you smell that toasty, buttery aroma. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Lower the oven temperature to 335ºF and prepare a water bath setup to keep your cheesecake from cracking—a little watery hug for your dessert as it bakes. Beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth, with no lumps in sight. Slowly add sugar, sour cream, and heavy cream, blending until creamy and unified. Incorporate the warmed eggs one by one on medium speed to maintain that smooth texture. Finish with salt and vanilla, and scrape the bowl sides for full incorporation. Pour this silky filling over your cooled crust and get ready to bake!

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

This stage requires patience and love. Bake your cheesecake for about an hour without opening the oven door. You’re aiming for a set but gently jiggly center, around 150°F internally. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to cool slowly for another hour—this prevents cracking and helps the texture develop perfectly. Finally, chill your cheesecake in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set and let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Create the Homemade Cherry Topping

While the cheesecake chills, it’s time to craft your dazzling cherry topping. Combine cherries, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn. In a small cup, whisk together ClearJel or cornstarch with lemon juice, water, and zest until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering cherries and keep cooking for a minute more until it thickens to a glossy jam-like consistency. Allow this vibrant topping to cool before spooning it over your cheesecake.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe

A slice of cheesecake sits on a white plate, showing three clear layers: a thick, crumbly light brown base, a smooth and creamy off-white middle cheesecake filling, and a shiny, bright red cherry topping with whole cherries and syrup dripping down the side. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, try adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almond slices on top of the cherry layer. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and refreshing contrast that’s just delightful to the senses.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh accompaniments like a crisp mixed berry salad or a simple fruit sorbet on the side to cleanse the palate. If you prefer a warm contrast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can elevate the experience even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cherry cheesecake into generous wedges and serve on vintage-style plates for a charming dessert presentation. For celebrations, individual mini cheesecakes in jars layered with cherry topping can make for an impressive and practical option. Another fun twist is drizzling extra cherry sauce artistically on the plate for a restaurant-quality look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and creamy in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect to prepare ahead of time for gatherings or to savor in the days following your baking spree.

Freezing

The Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the texture and flavor beautifully.

Reheating

While cheesecake is best served chilled, if you desire a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the texture to become grainy. Instead, enjoy the cool, creamy perfection just as it is.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the cherry topping?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and pitted before cooking to avoid excess liquid diluting the topping.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Using a water bath or insulating your springform pan with a larger pan helps regulate the temperature and humidity, keeping cracks at bay. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking and cool the cheesecake slowly with the oven door cracked open after baking.

Is ClearJel necessary for the cherry topping?

ClearJel helps achieve the ideal thick, glossy consistency without becoming cloudy, especially important when freezing. Cornstarch is a fine substitute if ClearJel isn’t available but may give a slightly different texture.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free crackers or cookie crumbs to make this Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture.

How long should the cheesecake cool before adding the cherry topping?

It’s best to chill the cheesecake completely in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. The cherry topping should be cool to room temperature before spreading it on top to prevent melting or sliding.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience of joy, celebration, and comfort on a plate. Its rich, creamy filling paired with the bright and luscious homemade topping creates a timeless treat that anyone will treasure. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as you enjoy savoring every last bite. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!