The holidays are upon us, and nothing says festive quite like a Christmas Cheesecake topped with luscious cranberry jam and ethereal white chocolate mousse. Picture this: you’re sitting by the fire, the aroma of buttery crust mingling with sweet, tangy cranberries wafting through the air. Halloween cheesecake brownies Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, creamy yet light, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds!
I’ve always loved desserts that not only taste heavenly but also look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. This cheesecake is a showstopper at any holiday gathering, bringing smiles and happy sighs from friends and family alike. monster eye cupcakes Trust me; you’ll want to make this your go-to recipe for Christmas celebrations and cozy winter gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Christmas Cheesecake is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress guests without stress
- Its combination of tart cranberry jam and rich white chocolate mousse creates an unforgettable flavor experience
- Visually stunning, it adds elegance to any table setting, making it perfect for holiday dinners or parties
- This dessert is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays!
I once brought this cheesecake to a family gathering, and my aunt nearly fainted when she took her first bite. The rest of us couldn’t stop sneaking seconds while pretending we were being polite! For more inspiration, check out this Irish Apple Cake recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a perfectly textured crust that holds together well.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness; I recommend using unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for that rich and creamy texture that makes cheesecakes heavenly. For more inspiration, check out this Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your cheesecake just right; feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help create a smooth filling; room temperature eggs blend better with the cream cheese. black cookies with cocoa espresso.
- Cranberry Jam: Choose high-quality cranberry jam; its tangy flavor will elevate your cheesecake beautifully.
- White Chocolate Chips: Use good quality white chocolate for melting; it adds a luxurious creaminess to the mousse layer.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream adds lightness to your mousse; make sure it’s cold for best results when whipping.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Flavorings and Pour Into Pan: Mix in vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this luscious mixture over your cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Bake Again!: Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside with the door ajar for about an hour.
Make White Chocolate Mousse Topping : While cooling, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth then let cool slightly before folding in whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy.
Add Cranberry Jam : Once cheesecake is fully cooled, spread cranberry jam evenly over the top layer before adding your delightful white chocolate mousse topping.
Chill Before Serving : Refrigerate your masterpiece for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now that you’ve made this stunning Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse topping, serve it up proudly at your next holiday gathering! Watch as smiles spread across faces—a true testament to culinary success!
You Must Know
- This delightful Christmas Cheesecake combines creamy white chocolate mousse with tart cranberry jam
- The festive flavors create a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings
- Remember, the secret is to let it chill overnight for optimal flavor and texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by making the crust first while you preheat your oven. After that, prepare the mousse and cranberry jam, letting everything chill while you clean up.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries. candy corn fruit parfaits You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra aroma boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy cold; no reheating necessary, as it tastes best chilled.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making the cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for better consistency
- Avoid over-mixing the mousse to keep it airy and light
- Allow the cheesecake to set overnight for enhanced flavors and texture
There’s nothing like hearing my family rave about this cheesecake during our holiday dinners; their smiles make every effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Christmas Cheesecake?
Yes, thaw them first and drain excess moisture before using.
How long should I chill the cheesecake?
Chill your cheesecake overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer flavor profile to your cheesecake.
Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of this Christmas Cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy white chocolate mousse, and a tart cranberry jam topping. This stunning dessert is not only a visual delight but also a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Perfectly balanced, each bite offers a rich yet light experience that will leave your guests asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup cranberry jam
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and pour over cooled crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven, let it cool inside for an hour.
- Melt white chocolate chips and fold into whipped heavy cream until fluffy. Once cheesecake is cooled, spread cranberry jam on top and add white chocolate mousse layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
