Turn Canned Cranberry Sauce Into Your New Favorite Cheesecake Topping

Sweet, sticky, and the perfect companion to plates piled high with savory holiday foods, canned cranberry sauce is more than a Thanksgiving staple. Although it's traditionally used for bringing a colorful and tart accompaniment to starchy, umami-rich holiday feasts, cranberry sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in dessert recipes all year round. Enter cheesecake.

The sweet and tangy taste of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of cheesecake, while its distinct tartness provides a delicate acidic note that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. This decadent combination culminates in a well-balanced and sophisticated flavor profile that offers an exciting departure from traditional fruit toppings like raspberry or strawberry sauce. Unlike traditional cheesecake toppers that tend to be syrupy, canned cranberry sauce boasts a pleasantly chunky and jelly-like texture that lends itself to an interplay of consistencies for a more exciting and complex mouthfeel with every bite.

It's not just the flavor and texture of cheesecake that's improved by canned cranberry sauce. This quintessential holiday treat is extremely versatile, which means you can customize your cheesecake with various other toppings without worrying about contrasting flavors.

Cranberry sauce can be enjoyed straight from the can or prepared from scratch in your own kitchen. So if you're thinking about adding it to your next cheesecake banquet, consider the flavor differences between fresh and canned cranberry sauce.

The convenience of canned cranberry sauce is undeniable: It's a time saver that can be effortlessly sliced and served, making it a quick and hassle-free option for busy occasions. However, the trade-off for this convenience is that canned cranberry sauce may lack some of the depth and nuanced flavors that homemade versions offer. If you find yourself reaching for canned cranberry sauce for convenience, there are ways to enhance its flavor profile. Consider jazzing up your canned cranberry sauce by adding a pinch of cinnamon, pulsing it in a food processor with a touch of honey or maple syrup, or even including a dash of fresh orange or lime juice for an added dimension of flavor. These creative tweaks can bridge the gap between the convenience of canned cranberry sauce and the rich, homemade flavors you desire for your cheesecake topping.

Cheesecake topped with sweet canned cranberry sauce is a delicacy in and of itself, so if you're feeling simple, a dollop of cranberry sauce will take your tastebuds to flavor heaven. However, if you're feeling adventurous, additional cheesecake toppings can complement the cranberry sauce-kissed dessert.

Consider a decadent swirl of chocolate ganache whose rich, velvety chocolate pairs well with the tartness of the cranberry sauce for a zesty blend of sweet and sour. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel sauce introduces a buttery sumptuousness that elevates the overall richness of the cheesecake and brings out the fruity notes of the cranberry sauce. For a textural twist, sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds to the top of the saucy cheesecake to boost the consistency of the cake with a delicate nutty crunch. A refreshing dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream lends an airy quality to the cheesecake that balances its density and harmonizes with the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. And don't forget a garnish! Fresh mint or even basil can bring an herbaceous, garden-fresh aroma to your dessert that will take it from drab to fab faster than you can say "cheesecake."

Next time you have canned cranberry sauce collecting dust in your pantry, don't wait until the holiday season to put it to good use: Top a slice (or three) of cheesecake with it instead.