Christmas Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas Cheesecake features a festive graham cracker crust topped with creamy vanilla cheesecake swirled with red and green colors, white chocolate mousse, and tart cranberry jam for holiday sparkle. Ready in 90 minutes plus chilling, it’s a showstopper dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

• Swirled colors create stunning holiday presentation.
• Cranberry jam adds seasonal tart brightness.
• White chocolate mousse provides light, airy contrast.
• Water bath ensures crack-free cheesecake.
• Make-ahead chilling perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients & Prep

Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cranberry Jam:

• 16 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 large eggs + 2 yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• Red and green food coloring
• ¾ cup holiday sprinkles

White Chocolate Mousse:

• 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz whipped topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F; grease 9-inch springform pan. Mix crust ingredients; press into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool.
2. Simmer cranberries, sugar, and vanilla 10 minutes until jam thickens; cool.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add cream, sour cream, vanilla bean seeds, then eggs gradually. Divide batter; color one red, one green.
4. Pour jam over crust, then alternate cheesecake batters in dollops. Swirl with knife. Bake in water bath 60–75 minutes until just set. Cool gradually.
5. Melt white chocolate; beat with cream cheese, fold in whipped topping. Spread over chilled cheesecake; chill overnight.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze slices up to 1 month.

FAQs

Cracks forming?
Use water bath and cool slowly in oven.

Jam runny?
Cook longer or add cornstarch slurry.

Colors bleed?
Chill batter between layers.

Conclusion

Christmas Cheesecake dazzles with festive swirls and creamy layers holiday table centerpiece.

Christmas Cheesecake Recipe

Print Recipe

A festive Christmas cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, ultra-creamy vanilla filling, and a bright cranberry topping. Rich, elegant, and perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 6 hrs
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Cheesecake Filling:
• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Cranberry Topping:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• 2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
• 3. Bake crust for 10 minutes; cool slightly.
• 4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• 5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
• 6. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
• 7. Pour filling over crust and smooth top.
• 8. Bake 55–65 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
• 9. Turn oven off, crack door, and cool cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
• 10. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• 11. For topping, simmer cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest until berries burst.
• 12. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
• 13. Cool topping and spoon over cheesecake before serving.

Notes

• Bring all dairy to room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Use a water bath for extra crack-free results if desired.
• Decorate with sugared cranberries or rosemary for a holiday look.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: christmas cheesecake, holiday cheesecake, cranberry cheesecake