Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake is a festive and indulgent dessert that beautifully combines creamy, smooth cheesecake with the tart brightness of fresh cranberries. This holiday favorite features a buttery crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cranberry topping that adds both flavor and color, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebrations. Rich yet refreshing, this cheesecake delights the taste buds with every decadent bite.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake
Festive flavors: Tart cranberries balance the rich, creamy cheesecake perfectly.
Beautiful presentation: The bright red cranberry topping adds holiday cheer to any table.
Smooth and creamy: Silky cheesecake texture that melts in your mouth.
Buttery crust: A crisp base that provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling.
Perfect for holidays: Impress guests with this elegant and delicious dessert.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepares well in advance, making holiday hosting easier.
Crowd-pleaser: A classic cheesecake with a festive twist that everyone will love.
Celebrate the season with this Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake — a delightful dessert that brings joy and flavor to your festive gatherings!
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake
Sweet and tart cranberries contrast beautifully with a smooth, rich cheesecake base. Here’s what you’ll need:
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your cheesecake crust, providing a sweet and crunchy texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together, adding richness to the crust.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the crust and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! It gives the cheesecake its creamy, smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Eggs: They help set the cheesecake, giving it structure and a rich mouthfeel.
Sour cream: This adds a tangy flavor and creaminess, making the cheesecake even more decadent.
White chocolate chips: Melted and folded into the batter, they bring a sweet, creamy element that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Heavy cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the white chocolate mousse layer, making it airy and delightful.
Cranberry jam: This tart layer is what makes this cheesecake festive and flavorful. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves: Optional garnishes that add a pop of color and freshness to your cheesecake.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients; for instance, you can swap the cranberry jam for raspberry or strawberry jam if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake
Creating your Christmas cranberry cheesecake is a delightful journey. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that will wow your guests. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grease a 9-inch springform pan. This will help your cheesecake release easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan. This crust will provide a sweet, crunchy base for your cheesecake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; we want a smooth batter without too much air.
Stir in the sour cream until everything is smooth. This adds a lovely tanginess to balance the sweetness. Now, pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in your springform pan.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Mousse
While your cheesecake is chilling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined. This mousse will add a luxurious layer to your cheesecake.
Step 7: Assemble the Cheesecake
Once your cheesecake is chilled, spread the cranberry jam evenly over the top. Then, carefully spread the white chocolate mousse over the cranberry layer. This creates a beautiful contrast of flavors and colors.
Step 8: Final Chill
Chill the assembled cheesecake for an additional 1-2 hours before serving. This final chill allows the layers to set perfectly. If you want to add a festive touch, garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves just before serving. Enjoy your delicious Christmas cranberry cheesecake!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for the perfect texture.
For a cleaner slice, use a hot knife to cut the cheesecake.
Experiment with different jams for unique flavor combinations.
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different!
Equipment Needed
9-inch springform pan: Essential for easy removal. A regular cake pan works, but it may be trickier to serve.
Electric mixer: For a smooth batter. A whisk can work, but it’ll take more elbow grease.
Mixing bowls: Use various sizes for different steps. Glass or metal bowls are great options.
Spatula: Perfect for folding and spreading. A silicone spatula is ideal for scraping every bit.
Microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate. A small saucepan can also do the trick.
Variations
Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake: Add cocoa powder to the crust and mix melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter for a rich twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free crust.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Fruit Swirl: Incorporate a swirl of raspberry or blueberry puree into the cheesecake batter for added flavor and color.
Spiced Cranberry Cheesecake: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Christmas cranberry cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate.
For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Consider a side of gingerbread cookies for a delightful holiday spread.
Present on a decorative platter to elevate your dessert table.
FAQs about Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas cranberry cheesecake is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just ensure you store it in the refrigerator, covered, to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for cranberry jam?
If cranberry jam isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for raspberry or strawberry jam. Both will add a delightful twist to your cheesecake while keeping it festive.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
To avoid cracks, make sure to bake your cheesecake at a low temperature and allow it to cool gradually in the oven. Chilling it properly also helps maintain its smooth surface.
Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas cranberry cheesecake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to slice the cheesecake?
For clean slices, use a hot knife. Dip it in hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut through the cheesecake. This method helps prevent sticking and gives you beautiful, even pieces.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Christmas cranberry cheesecake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories that linger long after the last slice is gone. The blend of creamy white chocolate and tart cranberry jam brings a festive cheer that lights up any gathering. Each bite is a celebration, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, as you whip up this delightful dessert, know that you’re not just making a cheesecake; you’re adding a sweet chapter to your holiday story, one that will be savored and cherished for years to come.
A delightful Christmas cranberry cheesecake featuring a creamy white chocolate mousse and a tart cranberry jam layer, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cranberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
Stir in the sour cream until smooth. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
While the cheesecake is chilling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined.
Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the cranberry jam evenly over the top. Then, carefully spread the white chocolate mousse over the cranberry layer.
Chill the cheesecake for an additional 1-2 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top of the mousse before serving.
Substitute the cranberry jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor profile.
