Decadent Cranberry Cream Cheese Cake: A Blissful Twist

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• Spray the baking dish with cooking spray
• 1 ½ cups of crushed chocolate cookies
• 5 tablespoons of Sugar In The Raw®
• 2 tablespoons of Stevia In The Raw®
• Melted butter, 4 tablespoons
• FILLING:
• 1 pound of softened cream cheese
• 1 pound of mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup of Sugar In The Raw®
• ½ cup of Stevia In The Raw®
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• Finely grated zest from 1 orange
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup of Sugar In The Raw®
• ½ cup of Stevia In The Raw®
• 1 package of fresh cranberries, 12 ounces

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect setting for your baking adventure. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray, ensuring your masterpiece won't stick. Now, here's a neat trick: wrap the pan in a triple layer of foil, making sure it envelopes the pan snugly, extending up the sides for added security.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, blend together cookie crumbs, a dash of sugar, a hint of stevia, and a generous dollop of butter. Press this delightful mixture into the bottom of your pan, gently coaxing it up about an inch along the sides. Pop it in the oven and bake until it's perfectly set, which should take roughly 15 minutes. Allow it to cool down while you prepare the next steps.

Step 3

Time to adjust the oven temperature slightly down to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for the next act. In a sizable bowl or your trusty stand mixer, whip up a luxurious blend of cream cheese, mascarpone, sugar, stevia, eggs, vanilla, and a zesty touch of orange. Mix until everything harmonizes into a smooth, velvety symphony. Transfer this luscious concoction into your prepared pan, ready to take center stage.

Step 4

Set the pan within a larger roasting pan with lofty sides, a water bath's secret lair. Pour in steaming hot water, just enough to reach halfway up the sides of your pan, ensuring a moist and tender cheesecake. Slide it into the oven and let it bake until the edges are firm yet the center maintains a playful jiggle, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Step 5

Once the cheesecake emerges from its watery sanctuary, shed the foil armor and let it cool gracefully at room temperature. After its debut, allow it to bask in the refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours, or better yet, up to 48 hours, enhancing its flavors and texture.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan, orchestrate a symphony of orange juice, sugar, and stevia, bringing them to a lively boil. Toss in some vibrant cranberries and let them simmer, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a luscious, glossy sauce, a process that may take around 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer this delightful creation to a wide, shallow pan and let it chill in the refrigerator until it reaches a state of cool perfection.

Step 7

Just before the grand finale, generously spread the vibrant cranberry sauce atop your chilled cheesecake, adding a burst of color and flavor to your masterpiece. Serve and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a satisfied smile.