This Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse is a festive masterpiece that combines the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the tart freshness of cranberry. The creamy mousse sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating the perfect dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing.
Perfect for your holiday gatherings, this cheesecake offers a luxurious treat that will be the star of your dessert table. The vibrant cranberry jam adds color and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the mousse, making it an unforgettable dessert. Top with fresh cranberries and mint for an extra festive touch, and enjoy this delicious showstopper during your holiday season.
Full Recipe:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Fresh cranberries (optional for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Start by preparing the crust. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- To make the white chocolate mousse, melt white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cooled white chocolate into the whipped cream.
- Spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Once the mousse has set, layer the cranberry sauce over the top of the mousse and refrigerate for another hour.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves before serving for an extra festive touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Introduction to Christmas Cheesecake
The Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and White Chocolate Mousse is a stunning dessert that combines rich, creamy textures and festive flavors. A perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations, this cheesecake is the ultimate showstopper that will leave your guests in awe. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve party, this dessert is sure to capture the essence of the season, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
The Magic of Christmas Desserts
The holiday season is often described as “the season of baking,” and for good reason. It’s a time when families come together to share stories, create memories, and indulge in sweet treats. Among the numerous holiday desserts, cheesecakes hold a special place. Their velvety texture, combined with rich flavors, makes them an indulgent yet elegant choice for any celebration.
One of the most exciting things about Christmas baking is the opportunity to try new recipes. This particular cheesecake combines the smoothness of vanilla bean cheesecake with a tangy cranberry jam and a light, velvety white chocolate mousse, making it a unique dessert that offers something for everyone. The layers of flavor and texture create a harmonious dessert experience, making each bite an unforgettable treat.
Perfect for the Holidays
This cheesecake isn’t just any ordinary dessert; it’s a dessert that feels like the holidays. The cranberry jam offers a tart, refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich cheesecake, while the white chocolate mousse gives it a touch of sweetness and sophistication. It’s a perfect way to combine the flavors of the season into one beautiful and indulgent dessert.
Cranberry Jam: The Holiday Flavor
Cranberries are synonymous with the holiday season. They add a burst of color and flavor to everything from sauces and beverages to cakes and cheesecakes. For this recipe, a simple homemade cranberry jam is spread over the graham cracker crust and the creamy cheesecake filling. The jam’s tangy sweetness perfectly balances the richness of the vanilla bean cheesecake, creating an irresistible combination.
The cranberry jam is easy to make, requiring only fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract. While some might be intimidated by making their own jam, the process for this recipe is straightforward and results in a fresh, flavorful topping for the cheesecake. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a festive holiday dinner, the cranberry jam adds both texture and festive color to the cheesecake.
White Chocolate Mousse: A Silky Finish
A key feature of this cheesecake is the smooth, airy white chocolate mousse that finishes off the layers of flavor. White chocolate is a luxurious ingredient that enhances the richness of the dessert without overpowering the other flavors. When combined with whipped cream cheese and topping, it creates a light, mousse-like texture that perfectly complements the dense cheesecake layer.
The white chocolate mousse gives the cheesecake a sophisticated edge and enhances its creamy texture. Whether you spread it evenly across the top or pipe it into decorative swirls, the mousse adds an elegant touch to the cheesecake’s overall appearance.
Candied Cranberries: An Optional Decoration
While the candied cranberries are optional, they bring an extra touch of festivity and elegance to the cheesecake. These sweet, glistening cranberries make a beautiful topping for the cheesecake, especially when paired with the snowy white chocolate mousse. The process of making candied cranberries is time-consuming, but they are absolutely worth it for their visual appeal and added sweetness.
For those who enjoy candied treats, these cranberries are a fun, nostalgic addition to the dessert. They can be made in advance, which makes decorating the cheesecake much easier when it’s time to serve.
A Cheesecake that Speaks for Itself
The Christmas Cheesecake stands out not only for its incredible flavors but also for its impressive presentation. The layered construction, with its different textures and flavors, looks stunning when served. The cheesecake itself has a rich, creamy texture, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. The vanilla bean adds a subtle but aromatic depth of flavor, making each bite a luxurious experience.
Unlike some desserts, which can be heavy or overly rich, this cheesecake manages to be indulgent yet light. The airy white chocolate mousse and the tart cranberry jam balance out the creaminess of the cheesecake, preventing it from feeling too dense or overwhelming.
Why This Cheesecake is a Crowd-Pleaser
There’s something for everyone in this dessert. For those who love a bit of tartness, the cranberry jam delivers that refreshing zing, while those who prefer richer flavors will appreciate the creamy cheesecake and the sweet white chocolate mousse. This dessert is also versatile, offering the option of candied cranberries for added texture and visual appeal.
Another reason this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser is its adaptability. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it an ideal dessert to serve during a busy holiday season. The preparation might take a little time, but the end result is well worth the effort. The cheesecake’s combination of flavors and textures will impress guests and leave them wanting more.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cheesecake
Once assembled, the cheesecake needs time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the mousse to set. It’s best to let the cheesecake sit for at least 4 hours, though overnight refrigeration ensures the best texture and flavor.
When it’s time to serve, slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife and enjoy the delicate layers. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base, while the creamy layers above it deliver a delightful contrast of smoothness and fluffiness.
As for storing leftovers, this cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well, so if you have any extra slices, you can freeze them for future indulgence.
Conclusion: A Christmas Dessert Like No Other
In conclusion, this Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and White Chocolate Mousse is the perfect dessert for the holiday season. Its beautiful layers of cranberry jam, vanilla bean cheesecake, and silky white chocolate mousse create a festive, luxurious treat that will be the highlight of any holiday meal. Whether you decide to add candied cranberries or keep it simple with just the mousse, this cheesecake will undoubtedly make your holidays a little sweeter.
Perfect for Christmas dinner, New Year’s celebrations, or any festive gathering, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. With its rich flavors, elegant appearance, and the magical combination of cranberry and white chocolate, it’s sure to become a staple in your holiday dessert repertoire.