Cranberry Orange Mini Cheesecakes
Creamy, citrusy, and festive—these mini cheesecakes blend smooth orange–infused filling with a bright cranberry swirl on top. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a delicate personal treat. They’re elegant, flavorful, and easy to make!
✨ Ingredients
For the Crust
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cranberry Swirl
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp water
Zest of ½ an orange
For the Cheesecake Filling
12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
🧁 Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
- Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Mash slightly, then let cool fully.
- Blend or leave it chunky—your choice.
- Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a muffin tray with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy.
- Add 1–1½ tablespoons of crust mixture to each liner.
- Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a flat-bottom glass.
- Bake the crust for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
- Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and beat just until combined (don’t overmix).
- Mix in vanilla, orange juice, orange zest, and sour cream.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cups.
- Add the Cranberry Swirl
- Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of each cheesecake.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter to create a marbled look.
- Bake the Mini Cheesecakes
Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let them sit 5 minutes (reduces cracking).
Remove and cool completely.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
🍊 Serving Suggestions
Garnish with extra cranberry sauce
Top with whipped cream and a twist of orange zest
Add candied cranberries for a festive look
Serve chilled for the creamiest texture
❄️ Storage
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
Freeze (without toppings) for up to 2 months