Print

Christmas Cheesecake 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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Keywords: christmas cheesecake, holiday cheesecake, cranberry cheesecake