The holiday season is a magical time filled with warmth, togetherness, and the joy of sharing delectable treats that truly embody the spirit of Christmas Cheesecake Recipe. While there’s no shortage of festive desserts to choose from, there’s something truly special about a Christmas Cheesecake Recipe that features a mouthwatering twist – homemade cranberry jam. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a delightful journey to create a stunning Christmas Cheesecake that combines the velvety richness of cheesecake with the vibrant and slightly tart flavor of cranberries. Let’s get started and discover how to make your holiday gatherings truly unforgettable.
The Perfect Holiday Combination
When it comes to holiday desserts, cheesecake is a timeless favorite. Its lusciously smooth texture and versatility serve as the perfect canvas for a variety of flavors. In our Christmas Cheesecake recipe, we’ve taken the classic cheesecake and paired it with the vibrant and slightly tart homemade cranberry jam. The result is a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also adds a festive touch to your holiday table.
Step 1: Making Candied Cranberries
The journey to crafting the perfect Christmas Cheesecake begins with creating a delightful garnish – candied cranberries.
In a saucepot over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding fresh cranberries. Stir, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This overnight soak allows the cranberries to absorb the sweetness and become a festive treat.
Drain the cranberries in a colander, and you’ll notice they’ve taken on a lovely candied appearance.
To complete the process, roll the candied cranberries in 1/2 cup of sugar. These sweet and slightly tart jewels will be used for decorating your Christmas Cheesecake.
Step 2: Quick Cranberry Jam
No Christmas Cheesecake is complete without a luscious cranberry jam to complement its rich and creamy texture. Here’s how you create it:
In a saucepot over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract.
Stir well, allowing the cranberries to cook while stirring frequently. This process will take about 12-15 minutes, during which the cranberries will soften, and the mixture will transform into a jam-like consistency.
Once the cranberries are tender and the jam has reached the desired consistency, take the pot off the heat and allow the jam to cool completely.
This cranberry jam is not only a delightful addition to your cheesecake but can also be used as a versatile condiment for other holiday dishes.
Step 3: Preparing the Christmas Cheesecake Base
Now that our cranberry jam is ready, it’s time to focus on the foundation of our Christmas Cheesecake.
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This will ensure that your cheesecake bakes to perfection without sticking to the sides.
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla extract. Mix until these ingredients come together harmoniously.
Press this graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan and extend it about halfway up the sides. This crust will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling.
With your crust in place, spread half of the prepared cranberry jam over the crust. This layer not only adds a burst of flavor but also infuses your cheesecake with a vibrant holiday hue.
Step 4: Creating the christmas cheesecake cranberry jam white chocolate mousse Filling
The heart of any cheesecake lies in its creamy and luscious filling. Here’s how you create that irresistible center:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and white granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, which takes approximately 2 minutes.
Add in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until they are fully incorporated into the creamy base.
To ensure the filling has the perfect consistency, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed.
It’s time to add a touch of magic with the addition of cornstarch. While beating at medium-low speed, slowly pour in the heavy cream. This creates a heavenly, airy texture.
For an extra layer of indulgence, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cheesecake batter. This adds specks of vanilla goodness throughout the filling.
With all the ingredients well combined, spoon the entire cheesecake batter into the springform pan, effectively covering the cranberry jam layer. This is where your Christmas Cheesecake takes shape.
Step 5: Baking the Christmas Cheesecake Recipe
The next step is crucial to ensure your cheesecake bakes to perfection and retains its velvety texture. Here’s how to do it:
Place the prepared springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. This will be essential for the baking process.
Carefully add water to the roasting pan, filling it to about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath method will prevent your cheesecake from cracking during baking.
Now, bake the cheesecake in your preheated oven for approximately 70-75 minutes. This slow and gentle baking process will yield a creamy and perfectly set cheesecake.
After the baking time, turn off the oven and open the oven door halfway. Let the cheesecake rest for about 10 minutes in this warm environment.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven, and if you used foil to protect the springform pan, you can remove it now. Allow the cheesecake to cool for an additional 20 minutes.
To ensure that your cheesecake doesn’t stick to the sides, gently run a greased butter knife between the edges of the cheesecake and the springform pan. This step is crucial for easy removal later.
Allow the cheesecake to cool for a full hour. This gradual cooling process ensures that your cheesecake sets perfectly without any cracks.
Step 6: Topping with Cranberry Jam
With the cheesecake foundation in place, it’s time to add a burst of holiday flavor by topping it with the remaining cranberry jam.
Spread the remaining cranberry jam over the top of the cheesecake. This layer not only adds a pop of color but also infuses your dessert with a sweet and slightly tart cranberry goodness.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap, making sure it’s secure, and place the cheesecake in the refrigerator. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow all the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set.
Step 7: Preparing White Chocolate Mousse
To truly elevate your Christmas Cheesecake, it’s time to create a silky and indulgent white chocolate mousse topping.
Start by breaking up the white chocolate bars and melting them according to the package instructions. This step adds a layer of luxury to your cheesecake.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for a couple of minutes. This process ensures that the cream cheese becomes smooth and light.
Drizzle in the melted white chocolate while continuing to beat the cream cheese. As you mix, you’ll notice the mousse taking shape and the white chocolate beautifully blending with the cream cheese.
Gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s fully combined. This step gives your mousse a delightful airy texture.
With your white chocolate mousse ready, spread it generously over the top of the cheesecake. You can also get creative by separating the mousse into two batches and using one batch to decorate the cheesecake with a frosting tip, creating elegant swirls and patterns.
For the ultimate finishing touch, if you have candied cranberries that you prepared earlier, scatter them on top of the white chocolate mousse. This adds a delightful crunch and a burst of color to your masterpiece.
Christmas Cheesecake
Ingredients
For Cranberry Jam:
- 16 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
For Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 5 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
For White Chocolate Mousse:
- 8 oz baking white chocolate bars 2-4 oz bars
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz whipped topping like COOL Whip
For Candied Cranberries (Optional):
- 8 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar or super fine sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Making Candied Cranberries
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepot, heat until sugar dissolves.
- Cool slightly, add fresh cranberries, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain cranberries, roll in sugar for a candied appearance.
Step 2: Quick Cranberry Jam
- Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepot over medium heat.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until soft and jam-like.
- Remove from heat, let it cool.
Step 3: Preparing the Cheesecake Base
- Preheat oven to 325°F, grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Press mixture into the pan, spread half of the cranberry jam.
Step 4: Creating the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla, sour cream, and eggs one at a time.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while beating.
- Add vanilla bean seeds, mix well.
- Spoon batter over the cranberry jam layer.
Step 5: Baking the Cheesecake
- Place springform pan in a larger roasting pan, add water halfway up the sides.
- Bake at 325°F for 70-75 minutes.
- Turn off the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes with the door open.
- Cool for 20 minutes, run a knife along the edges, cool for an additional hour.
Step 6: Topping with Cranberry Jam
- Spread remaining cranberry jam over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Step 7: Preparing White Chocolate Mousse
- Melt white chocolate according to package instructions.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, drizzle in melted white chocolate.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread white chocolate mousse over the cheesecake.
Finishing Touch:
- Optional: Decorate with candied cranberries on top of the white chocolate mousse.
- Refrigerate before serving for a delectable Christmas Cheesecake experience!
Congratulations, you’ve now successfully created a Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam that’s bound to be the star of your holiday celebrations. This dessert not only tantalizes the taste buds with its rich and creamy texture but also brings a festive touch to your table, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas traditions.
As you present this magnificent cheesecake at your holiday gathering, you’re not just sharing a dessert; you’re sharing a piece of your heart and the joy of the season. Let your celebrations be filled with love, laughter, and the sweet indulgence of this homemade Christmas Cheesecake. Whether it’s a special treat for your family or a delightful gift for friends, it’s a creation that will be cherished and remembered for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a memorable treat that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds. Merry Christmas!