Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy cranberry jam, and a creamy cheesecake filling topped with white chocolate mousse. It’s a festive and elegant dessert perfect for holiday gatherings that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the cranberry jam layer:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• For the cheesecake layer:
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• For the white chocolate mousse:
• 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For garnish:
• Sugared cranberries
• White chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
2. Step 2: While the crust bakes, prepare the cranberry jam. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and orange zest. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream and flour until just combined.
4. Step 4: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spoon half of the cranberry jam over the batter, then add the remaining cheesecake batter on top. Gently spoon the remaining cranberry jam and swirl it into the batter with a knife.
5. Step 5: Bake the cheesecake for about 55-65 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Step 6: To make the white chocolate mousse, melt white chocolate with milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Let cool slightly.
7. Step 7: In a separate bowl, beat cold heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth. Spread the mousse evenly over the chilled cheesecake and refrigerate for another hour.
8. Step 8: Before serving, garnish with sugared cranberries, white chocolate shavings, and additional whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For sugared cranberries, toss fresh cranberries in simple syrup, then roll them in granulated sugar and let dry on parchment paper.
• Make the cheesecake 1–2 days ahead to allow flavors to fully develop and improve texture.
• You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus note.
• Use frozen cranberries directly for the jam layer if fresh are unavailable.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served chilled. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving—avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a cookie crust such as ginger snaps or digestive biscuits for a different flavor that complements the cranberry and white chocolate layers.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the turned-off oven before refrigerating. Also, running a knife around the edges after baking helps prevent cracks.

Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

This festive Christmas Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a tart cranberry jam swirl, a creamy vanilla cheesecake layer, and a light white chocolate mousse topping. Garnished with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings, it’s the perfect holiday dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors in an elegant presentation.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling and cooling time)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cranberry jam layer:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

For the cheesecake layer:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the white chocolate mousse:

• 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish:

• Sugared cranberries
• White chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
2. Make the cranberry jam layer: In a saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then blend in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the sour cream and then fold in the flour until just combined. Pour half of this cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the pan.
4. Add cranberry jam and bake: Spoon the prepared cranberry jam evenly over the cheesecake mixture in the pan. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the jam layer. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the jam gently through the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour to prevent cracking.
5. Create the white chocolate mousse: Melt the white chocolate with the milk in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined.
6. Assemble the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has fully cooled and chilled (preferably overnight), spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the top. Chill for at least 2 hours to set the mousse.
7. Garnish and serve: Decorate the top of the cheesecake with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings. Optionally, add dollops of whipped cream before serving. Slice and enjoy your festive Christmas cheesecake!

Notes

• For sugared cranberries, toss fresh cranberries in simple syrup, then roll in granulated sugar and let them dry completely before using as garnish.
• This cheesecake tastes best when made 1–2 days ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
• Use a water bath during baking if possible to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
• Let the cheesecake cool gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door cracked to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, holiday dessert, cranberry cheesecake, white chocolate mousse, festive dessert