Spiked Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

This Spiked Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for those who love a little extra kick with their sweet treats. Combining the creamy, smooth texture of a classic cheesecake with the bold flavor of cherries and a hint of alcohol, this dessert will take your cheesecake game to the next level. The sweet-tart cherries on top are infused with a splash of liquor, creating a sophisticated flavor that perfectly complements the rich, velvety cheesecake base. It’s an ideal dessert for a dinner party or a special celebration!

Why You’ll Love Spiked Cherry Cheesecake

Here’s why this dessert will become your favorite indulgence:

Irresistible Flavor Combo

The creamy, tangy cheesecake is paired with a sweet and slightly boozy cherry topping, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and a kick of alcohol.

Show-Stopping Dessert

This cheesecake is guaranteed to impress your guests. Its stunning look and unique flavor combination will leave everyone talking long after the last bite.

No-Bake Convenience

Forget the hassle of baking a cheesecake! This Spiked Cherry Cheesecake is easy to make and requires no oven, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the party.

Versatile

While the cherry topping is the star, you can swap it out for other fruits or even experiment with different types of alcohol for a unique twist.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or dinner party, this dessert is sure to be the highlight of any celebration.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Spiked Cherry Cheesecake:

Graham Cracker Crust

The crunchy and slightly sweet crust forms the perfect base for the creamy cheesecake filling.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is essential for that smooth, rich, and creamy cheesecake texture.

Sugar

Granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to the cheesecake filling and balances out the tangy cream cheese.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the cheesecake its luscious, rich texture, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor to the filling and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cheesecake and adds a warm, aromatic sweetness.

Gelatin

Gelatin is used to set the cheesecake without baking, giving it that perfect firmness.

Cherries

Fresh or jarred cherries create a sweet, juicy topping, but make sure to remove the pits if you’re using fresh ones.

Liquor (e.g., Cherry Liqueur or Bourbon)

For the “spiked” element, you’ll need your choice of liquor—cherry liqueur or bourbon works best to complement the cherry flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this deliciously spiked cheesecake:

1. Prepare the Crust

In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while you make the filling to set the crust.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

3. Add Gelatin

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a little cold water. Microwave for about 10 seconds or until it’s completely dissolved. Add the dissolved gelatin to the cheesecake mixture, and beat until the filling is smooth and thickened.

4. Fill the Crust

Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake is fully set.

5. Prepare the Spiked Cherry Topping

In a saucepan, combine the cherries and your chosen liquor (cherry liqueur or bourbon). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

6. Let the Cherry Topping Cool

Remove the cherry topping from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

7. Top the Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has set and the cherry topping has cooled, spoon the spiked cherry mixture on top of the cheesecake, spreading it evenly over the surface.

8. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for an additional 1-2 hours to let the topping firm up. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

How to Serve Spiked Cherry Cheesecake

Whipped Cream

Top your cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the dense, creamy cheesecake.

Chopped Nuts

Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and juicy cherry topping.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

For an extra indulgent touch, add some dark chocolate shavings on top of the spiked cherry topping to elevate the flavor.

Ice Cream

Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy treat.

Additional Tips

• Chill Time Is Crucial: Be sure to allow enough chill time for the cheesecake to set properly. You can also make it a day ahead for convenience.
• Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer an alcohol-free version, simply skip the liquor in the cherry topping and use cherry juice instead.
• Crust Variations: You can use other types of cookies for the crust, like chocolate wafer cookies or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
• Fresh vs. Jarred Cherries: Both fresh and jarred cherries work well, but fresh cherries might give a firmer, fresher texture to the topping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cheesecake without gelatin?
A1: Gelatin is what helps set the cheesecake without baking. If you don’t want to use gelatin, you can try using agar-agar or a store-bought no-bake cheesecake mix instead.

Q2: Can I use a different type of liquor for the topping?
A2: Yes, you can use different types of liquor, like bourbon, rum, or even a fruit-flavored liqueur, depending on your flavor preferences.

Q3: How long does Spiked Cherry Cheesecake last in the fridge?
A3: This cheesecake can last for up to 4 days in the fridge, as long as it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out.

Q4: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q5: Can I make a smaller version of this cheesecake?
A5: Absolutely! You can halve the recipe and use a smaller pan, such as an 8-inch springform pan, for a smaller cheesecake.

Q6: How do I make the cherry topping ahead of time?
A6: You can prepare the cherry topping up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Q7: Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
A7: Yes, you can swap the cherries for other fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, and adjust the alcohol accordingly to pair well with the fruit.

Q8: What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A8: You can use a regular pie dish or any similar-sized pan, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake after it’s set.

Q9: Can I add chocolate to the filling?
A9: Yes, you can melt some chocolate and mix it into the cheesecake filling for a chocolate cherry cheesecake twist!

Q10: How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
A10: Be sure to chill the cheesecake slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. A water bath can help ensure even heat distribution in a baked cheesecake, but since this is a no-bake recipe, just allow it enough time to set in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Spiked Cherry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly combines creamy cheesecake with the bold flavor of spiked cherries. With its luxurious texture and delicious flavors, it’s the perfect treat for any celebration or indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just for yourself, this dessert will definitely leave a lasting impression! Enjoy every bite of this decadent cheesecake!

Print