Festive Christmas Cheesecake: Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Sweet memories and festive cheer blend perfectly in this christmas cheesecake that promises to become a holiday classic.

Layers of creamy goodness promise a delightful dessert experience.

Cranberry jam adds a vibrant pop of seasonal color and tangy sweetness.

Rich white chocolate mousse creates a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Delicate and elegant, each slice tells a story of warmth and celebration.

Decadent yet balanced, this dessert will make you the star of any holiday gathering.

Prepare to impress everyone with a showstopping treat that captures the magic of the season.

Why Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam Is a Showstopper

• Dazzle Holiday Dessert: Create a showstopping Christmas centerpiece that will impress guests with its festive white and red color palette and luxurious layers.
• Craft Simple Showstopper: Requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen tools, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Prepare Make-Ahead Marvel: Can be completely prepared in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining during busy holiday seasons with minimal last-minute preparation.
• Elevate Flavor Combination: Blends creamy white chocolate mousse with tangy cranberry jam, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes that capture classic Christmas flavors.

What You’ll Need for This Festive Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the crumbs together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold its shape and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a light, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• White Chocolate: Adds a sweet, creamy element and helps create a luxurious mousse-like texture.

• Cranberry Sauce, Fresh Cranberries: Provides a tart and festive contrast to the sweet cheesecake.
• Mint Leaves: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, decorative touch to the dessert.

Steps to Make a Holiday-Worthy Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter to prevent sticking.

This ensures your cheesecake will release smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Create Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid and even foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Base

Use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

The key is achieving a creamy consistency that will melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Blend Liquid Ingredients

Add heavy cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.

Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly incorporated and the texture is uniform.

Step 5: Incorporate White Chocolate

Gently fold melted white chocolate into the cheesecake batter.

Stir carefully to ensure a seamless blend without deflating the mixture’s airiness.

Step 6: Fill and Smooth Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust.

Use a spatula to create an even surface, eliminating any potential air pockets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly – this ensures a creamy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to help it set and develop rich flavors.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Top the chilled cheesecake with vibrant cranberry sauce.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and optional mint leaves for a festive holiday presentation.

Pro Tips for a Stunning Christmas Cheesecake

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture when blending ingredients.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and cracks during baking.
• Place a water bath around the springform pan to create a moist baking environment and prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
• Chill the cheesecake completely before adding the cranberry jam topping for clean, defined layers.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds.

Festive Variations for Your Holiday Cheesecake

• Peppermint Paradise: Replace white chocolate with crushed candy canes and add peppermint extract for a festive winter flavor profile.
• Chocolate Cherry Classic: Substitute cranberry jam with dark cherry compote and sprinkle chocolate shavings across the top for a rich, decadent version.
• Nordic Berry Blast: Use lingonberry jam instead of cranberry and garnish with fresh Nordic berries like cloudberries or arctic bramble for a Scandinavian-inspired dessert.
• Orange Spice Sensation: Incorporate orange zest into the cream cheese mixture and add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic holiday cheesecake experience.

What to Serve with This Christmas Dessert

• Pair with Festive Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced red wine complements the rich white chocolate and tart cranberry, creating a cozy Christmas flavor explosion that dances on your palate.
• Serve with Cinnamon-Dusted Espresso: Strong espresso with a light cinnamon sprinkle cuts through the creamy cheesecake, balancing its sweetness and adding a delightful holiday warmth.
• Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Crisp, bubbly prosecco offers a refreshing contrast to the dense cheesecake, cleansing the palate and enhancing the dessert's delicate white chocolate notes.

How to Store Christmas Cheesecake with Care

• Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice and Separate: Cut individual slices and place them in separate sealed containers to prevent flavor mixing and maintain freshness. Consume within 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave heating to prevent texture changes and maintain the delicate mousse consistency.

Christmas Cheesecake Questions Answered

• What ingredients make the crust unique?

Graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter create a classic, sweet base that complements the creamy cheesecake filling perfectly.

• How do I ensure the white chocolate is properly mixed?

Melt the white chocolate first, then gently stir it into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, avoiding any lumps.

• Why is it important to not overbake the cheesecake?

Overbaking can cause cracking and a dry texture. Remove the cheesecake when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.

• Can I make the cranberry topping from scratch?

Yes, you can prepare homemade cranberry sauce by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and form a thick, jammy consistency.

Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and White Chocolate Mousse Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 80 minutes (or overnight)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cheesecake dazzles with layers of creamy white chocolate mousse and tangy cranberry jam. Guests will savor each rich, elegant bite of this holiday dessert that blends classic comfort with gourmet sophistication.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar

Sweeteners and Garnishes:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh cranberries
• Optional: mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the springform pan by greasing it thoroughly and preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Create the crust by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform mixture, then firmly press into the pan’s bottom.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently fold in melted white chocolate, ensuring complete and even incorporation without overmixing.
6. Carefully transfer the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create an even, level surface.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a set texture with a subtle center jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight for optimal setting.
9. Prior to serving, artfully spread cranberry sauce across the top, garnish with fresh cranberries and optional mint leaves for a festive presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbeating the cream cheese mixture and bake in a water bath to create a smooth, crack-free surface for your cheesecake.
• Chocolate Melting Trick: Melt white chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to prevent burning and ensure a silky texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This festive dessert can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday entertaining and reducing last-minute stress.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a gluten-free and vegan-friendly version of this decadent dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg