Orange Ricotta Cheesecake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Lightly spray a 9" springform pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2

Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with heavy duty tinfoil. I recommend doing several diligent layers here to ensure no water creeps through when you place the pan in the water bath. Set pan aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; stir well to combine.

Step 4

Firmly pat the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place partially baked crust on a cooling rack and set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 5

Reduce oven to 300 degrees (F).

Step 6

In the body of a high power blender, food processor, stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a very large bowl using a hand held mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and ricotta cheese until completely smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.

Step 7

Add sugar, vanilla, and orange zest and beat smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Add in the eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 8

Add in the orange juice and gently stir until it's evenly combined. Finally, fold in the flour.

Step 9

Pour filling into prepared crust and, using a silicone spatula, smooth the top.

Step 10

Place the cheesecake pan into a large, deep pan. Fill the pan with 2 inches of hot water. This is your water bath and will help ensure your cheesecake comes out crack free.

Step 11

Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Turn oven off and let the cheesecake sit, undisturbed, for 30 minutes, inside the oven with the door shut. The cheesecake should be still slightly wiggly.

Step 12

Remove cake from oven and gently run a knife very around the edge of the cake. Place the cheesecake on a cooling rack and cool completely, then loosely cover the pan with saran wrap and chill for at least 6 hours.

Step 13

Cheesecake will keep, covered in the fridge, for 5 days. Cheesecake may be frozen for 2 months. Thaw overnight before slicing.

Step 14

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water, orange juice, and both sugars to a boil.

Step 15

Add orange zest and cranberries and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Step 16

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and Grand Marnier.

Step 17

Pour sauce into a bowl and cool to room temperature.

Step 18

Spoon over cheesecake right before serving.