If there’s one festive dessert that always steals the show at my holiday table, it’s the Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake). This beauty layers a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy, dreamy cheesecake, a tart homemade cranberry jam, and a fluffy cloud of white chocolate mousse. It’s a gorgeous, indulgent treat that feels special enough for any celebration, with vibrant colors and flavors that absolutely scream holiday cheer.

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) plays a starring role. With just a handful of familiar, festive components, you’ll create a showstopper that tastes as magical as it looks. Here’s why each item on the list matters!

Graham cracker crumbs: The nutty, sweet crunch of the classic cheesecake base sets the stage for all the creamy layers above.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—sugar also helps the crust hold together and perfectly balances the tart and tangy notes throughout.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and binds the graham crumbs for a firm, delicious crust.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: These jewel-toned berries lend a pop of color and a bright, festive tang to the homemade jam layer.
Orange juice: A splash of citrus enhances the cranberry’s tartness and brings a zesty lift to the jam.
Orange zest: Just a teaspoon infuses the jam with holiday aroma and fresh flavor.
Cream cheese: The heart of any cheesecake—use full-fat and softened for the creamiest, smoothest texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with cozy, warm notes that bring everything together.
Large eggs: Essential for structure—adding them one by one ensures a silky, even batter.
Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and ultra-creamy texture to the cheesecake filling.
White chocolate: Choose good-quality chocolate for a mousse that feels luxuriously rich but light on the tongue.
Heavy cream: Whips up into billowy peaks for that gorgeous mousse topping.
Whipped cream and sugared cranberries (optional): These festive touches add extra flair and sparkle—because who can resist a beautiful finish?

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything’s evenly coated—think wet sand at the beach! Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, really tamping it down so it forms a sturdy base. Bake for 10 minutes at 325°F, then let it cool while you move on to the next layer. This crust offers the perfect crisp, buttery counterpoint to the lush fillings ahead.

Step 2: Simmer the Cranberry Jam

In a small saucepan, toss together the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Set the pan over medium heat and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The berries will soften, burst, and gradually thicken into a jammy, brightly flavored spread. Let this cool completely—it not only tastes incredible but the vibrant red makes your Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) visually irresistible!

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Beat the cream cheese until it’s supremely smooth—no lumps allowed! Mix in the sugar and vanilla until everything’s glossy. Add eggs one by one, mixing on low speed so you don’t whip in too much air (which can cause cracks). Finally, fold in the sour cream, which creates a lush, tangy bite. Pour this rich batter onto your cooled crust and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should be set on the edges but still have a gentle jiggle in the middle. Let the cheesecake cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours to set the texture and flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up the White Chocolate Mousse

Melt your chopped white chocolate with a quarter-cup of the cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Let it cool a little so it won’t melt the cream cheese. Beat the remaining cream cheese until creamy, then blend in the white chocolate mixture and vanilla. Separately, whip the remaining heavy cream to stiff peaks—this adds that mousse-like lightness. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture so you don’t lose that dreamy airiness.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Spoon the cooled cranberry jam over your chilled cheesecake, gently spreading it edge to edge. Next, dollop on the white chocolate mousse and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop the cheesecake back into the fridge for at least two hours to allow the mousse to fully set. Just before serving, add generous swoops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sparkling sugared cranberries for a final flourish that makes this Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) look as festive as it tastes.

How to Serve Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Garnishes

A crown of piped whipped cream and a handful of glistening sugared cranberries take this dessert from beautiful to absolutely breathtaking. Edible gold leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar is also stunning if you want to dial up the holiday magic even further!

Side Dishes

While this cheesecake is rich enough to shine solo, a cup of dark coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine makes a wonderful pairing. For an extra festive touch, offer slices with a citrus salad or spiced poached pears on the side—these light, fresh notes play so nicely against the creamy decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make mini versions of Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) in individual jars or ramekins for a party-friendly treat. Another fun idea: slice the cheesecake into elegant bars or cubes and layer them in parfait glasses with extra jam and mousse for a modern, deconstructed look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices will keep beautifully in the fridge if wrapped well or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so don’t be afraid to enjoy your Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) all week long.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake (sans garnishes) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

No reheating is needed, since this dessert is served chilled! If frozen, simply transfer the cheesecake to the fridge the night before serving. Allow it to soften to a creamy, luscious consistency—no need to fuss with the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry jam in advance?

Absolutely! The jam keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five days, so feel free to make it ahead whenever you find a spare moment during holiday prep. It even intensifies in flavor over time.

What’s the secret to a crack-free cheesecake?

Room-temperature ingredients, gentle mixing, and baking just until set are the key steps! If you’re extra cautious, you can bake your cheesecake in a water bath for perfectly smooth results, but it’s not required.

Do I need a springform pan?

A springform pan is highly recommended for easy release and picture-perfect sides. If you don’t have one, line a regular cake pan with parchment and lift the cheesecake out carefully, though the edges might not be quite as neat.

Could I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

You could use a thick, whole-berry style cranberry sauce in a pinch, but homemade jam really elevates the Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) with its bright, fresh flavor and gorgeous hue!

Can I substitute dark chocolate for the mousse?

Dark chocolate will create a completely different flavor, but it can be delicious if you’re a chocolate lover! The tangy cranberry pairs beautifully with rich chocolate, but the result will be less sweet and more intense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a holiday showstopper, look no further than Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake). Its festive colors, bold flavors, and irresistible texture are sure to make it a new holiday tradition at your table. Give yourself—and your loved ones—the joy of a truly unforgettable dessert this season!

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 7 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this Christmas Cheesecake featuring layers of cranberry jam, white chocolate mousse, and a creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cranberry jam:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp orange zest

For the cheesecake layer:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

For the white chocolate mousse:

8 oz white chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For topping:

Whipped cream and sugared cranberries (optional)

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Instructions

For the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
For the cranberry jam: Cook cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a saucepan until thickened. Let cool.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, eggs, and sour cream. Bake in crust for 50–60 minutes. Cool and chill.
For the white chocolate mousse: Melt white chocolate with cream, then mix with cream cheese and vanilla. Whip remaining cream and fold into chocolate mixture.
Assembly: Spread cranberry jam over chilled cheesecake layer. Top with white chocolate mousse. Refrigerate until set. Serve topped with whipped cream and sugared cranberries.

Notes

For best flavor, make this dessert a day in advance to allow the layers to set and flavors to develop.
You can prepare the cranberry jam and mousse ahead of time and assemble before serving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American