The first time I made this Cherry Cheesecake, I couldn’t stop staring at it.
It looked so smooth and glossy, like something from a bakery window.
And when I took that first bite, it was rich, creamy, and just… elegant.

I love how the sweet cherries sit on top, shining like little jewels.
The cheesecake underneath is soft, light, and melts in your mouth.
It’s one of those desserts that makes any moment feel special.

If you want something simple but fancy at the same time, this is it.
Let’s make this Elegant Cherry Cheesecake together—it’s beautiful, sweet, and so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: Every bite of this cherry cheesecake is like heaven in your mouth! It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tart, and sweet.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat for the weekend, this cherry cheesecake will impress every time.
No-Bake Cherry Topping: The cherry topping adds a pop of color and flavor while being easy to prepare.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert, giving you time to relax before serving.
Elegant Yet Simple: You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this one off! It’s simple but looks absolutely stunning.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into making this cherry cheesecake, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

Springform Pan (9-inch): A springform pan makes it easy to remove the cheesecake from the pan after it has set, giving you that smooth, flawless finish.
Mixer (Stand or Hand): A mixer is essential for creating the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
Oven: For baking the crust.
Spatula: For spreading the cheesecake filling evenly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to perfecting this recipe.
Refrigerator: For chilling the cheesecake and allowing it to set perfectly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent cherry cheesecake (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the base of your cheesecake and gives it that perfect crumbly, buttery texture.
1/2 cup melted butter: The butter holds the graham cracker crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened: This is the main ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy and tangy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
3 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and provides structure to the filling.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, enhancing the cheesecake’s flavor.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling extra smooth and rich.

For the Cherry Topping:

1 cup cherry pie filling: The cherry pie filling adds a burst of color and sweetness, making the cheesecake even more delightful.

For Garnish:

Fresh cherries: These are optional but make for a beautiful garnish that elevates the presentation of your cheesecake.
Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top gives the dessert a light, airy touch that complements the richness of the cheesecake.

Variations for Cherry Cheesecake

Add a Flavored Crust: If you want a twist on the classic graham cracker crust, you can use other cookies like Oreos or Nilla wafers for a different flavor profile.
Infuse the Filling: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a unique twist.
Fresh Fruit Topping: If cherries aren’t in season, feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for another fruit topping like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
Chocolate Lovers’ Cheesecake: Add some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey, rich version of this dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden and firm. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is cooling, let’s work on the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate the eggs evenly into the mixture, ensuring a smooth filling. Add the sour cream and heavy cream and beat again until everything is smooth and well-combined.

3. Pour the Filling into the Crust

Once your filling is ready, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles in the filling. This will help create a smooth, perfect cheesecake.

4. Bake the Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight jiggle. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook; overbaking can result in cracks. Once it’s done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks from forming as it cools.

5. Chill the Cheesecake

After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to set properly and achieve the perfect texture.

6. Prepare the Cherry Topping

When you’re ready to serve the cheesecake, top it with the cherry pie filling. Use a spoon to gently spread the filling across the top, making sure the cherries are evenly distributed.

7. Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your cheesecake with fresh cherries and a dollop of whipped cream. This gives the dessert a polished, professional look while adding a light and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake

This cheesecake is versatile and pairs well with many different dishes. Here are a few ideas:

As a Dessert on its Own: The cheesecake is rich and indulgent enough to be a stand-alone dessert. Simply slice and serve with a garnish of fresh cherries and whipped cream.
With Coffee or Tea: Serve it alongside your favorite hot beverage for a decadent afternoon treat.
For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, this cherry cheesecake is sure to be a hit at any celebration.
With Fruit Salads: The rich and creamy cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad on the side.

Storing Cherry Cheesecake

In the Refrigerator: Store your cheesecake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: If you want to make the cheesecake ahead of time, you can freeze it! To do so, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and top with the cherry pie filling just before serving.

Nutrition Information (per slice)

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	350
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbohydrates	32g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	21g
Protein	5g

Conclusion:

If you’ve never made a cheesecake before, this Elegant Cherry Cheesecake is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s simple, incredibly delicious, and looks like a showstopper every time. The combination of the smooth, creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and sweet cherry topping is truly irresistible.