Description

This festive Christmas Cheesecake features a delightful combination of tangy cranberry jam and creamy white chocolate mousse atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The rich cheesecake layer is swirled with vibrant cranberry jam for a burst of holiday flavor, finished with a smooth white chocolate mousse and garnished with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this dessert is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust layer. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Make the cranberry jam layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Fold in sour cream and all-purpose flour until just combined. Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Add cranberry jam and bake: Spoon dollops of the cooled cranberry jam onto the cheesecake batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the jam into the batter to create a marbled effect. Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Create the white chocolate mousse: Melt the chopped white chocolate with milk gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly but not harden. In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until well combined. Spread this mousse evenly over the chilled cheesecake surface.
Garnish and serve: Decorate the top of the mousse layer with sugared cranberries, white chocolate shavings, and optionally some additional whipped cream. Chill the entire cheesecake for another hour to set the mousse layer fully before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
You can substitute orange juice with cranberry juice for a stronger cranberry flavor.
Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to avoid surface cracks.
Sugared cranberries can be made ahead by tossing fresh cranberries in simple syrup and then coating them in sugar.
For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving.
White chocolate mousse layer can be prepared a few hours before assembling.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, cranberry jam cheesecake, white chocolate mousse cheesecake, holiday dessert, graham cracker crust cheesecake, festive cheesecake recipe