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