Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) Recipe

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) Recipe is the ultimate show-stopping dessert to crown your holiday table. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, layered with creamy vanilla cheesecake, a tangy homemade cranberry jam, and a cloud-like white chocolate mousse topping. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweetness, tartness, and festive indulgence — the kind of dessert that turns every Christmas dinner into an unforgettable celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or bringing dessert to a holiday party, this Festive Christmas Cheesecake looks as luxurious as it tastes. With its vibrant cranberry swirl and snowy white mousse, it’s more than a dessert — it’s a Christmas centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cheesecake

Elegant holiday flavor: The combination of cranberry, orange, and white chocolate feels like pure Christmas magic.
Creamy, dreamy texture: A smooth, baked cheesecake base topped with a light mousse layer.
Visually stunning: The red-and-white layers make this the most photogenic Holiday White Chocolate Cheesecake.
Balanced sweetness: The tart cranberry jam complements the rich cheesecake beautifully.
Make-ahead perfection: Prepare it a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for Christmas dinner, potlucks, or festive dessert tables.
Customizable: Add liqueur, chocolate curls, or sugared cranberries for a touch of flair.

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs – provides a crunchy, buttery base.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – binds and enriches the crumbs.
2 tbsp granulated sugar – adds a touch of sweetness.

For the Cranberry Jam Layer

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries – the heart of your Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake.
½ cup orange juice – brightens the flavor.
½ cup sugar – balances the cranberries’ tartness.
1 tsp orange zest – adds holiday citrus aroma.

For the Cheesecake Layer

24 oz cream cheese, softened – creamy and rich foundation.
¾ cup sugar – ensures the right sweetness.
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
3 large eggs – gives structure and smooth texture.
½ cup sour cream – adds tang and silkiness.
2 tbsp flour – stabilizes the batter.

For the White Chocolate Mousse

6 oz white chocolate, chopped – melts into the most luxurious topping.
2 tbsp milk – helps create a smooth melt.
1 cup heavy cream, cold – whipped to airy perfection.
½ tsp vanilla extract – subtle flavor depth.

For Garnish

Sugared cranberries, white chocolate shavings, and optional whipped cream for a snowy, festive finish.

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

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool. This base gives your Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake its signature crunch.

2. Make the Cranberry Jam Layer

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and orange zest. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened. Cool completely — the jam should be glossy and spreadable.

3. Create the Cheesecake Batter

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, and flour. Pour the mixture over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry jam and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled look.

Bake at 325°F for 55–60 minutes or until the center is just set. Let cool, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse

Melt white chocolate with milk over low heat. Let cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold the melted chocolate gently into the whipped cream. Spread this mousse over the chilled cheesecake for an irresistible creamy layer.

5. Garnish & Serve

Top with sugared cranberries, white chocolate curls, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Chill for another hour before serving.

Pro Tips

How do you make Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam perfectly smooth?

Use room temperature cream cheese and beat until creamy before adding other ingredients. Overmixing adds air bubbles, so mix gently once eggs are added.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days — the flavors deepen overnight.

How do you prevent cracks in cheesecake?

Bake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower rack. This creates gentle steam, helping the Christmas Cheesecake bake evenly.

Best Ways to Serve

Serve chilled with a drizzle of cranberry sauce or white chocolate ganache. Pair it with a warm drink like Iced Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte or a cozy mug of Baileys Hot Chocolate.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 6g
Sugars: 32g
Fiber: 1g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing Tip: Defrost in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Variations

Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake: Add a cocoa layer in the crust for a deeper flavor.
No-Bake White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake: Skip baking and chill with gelatin.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for brightness.
Liqueur-Infused: Mix in a splash of orange liqueur or Baileys for adult indulgence.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake) Recipe is more than a dessert — it’s a moment of joy, tradition, and togetherness. Each slice captures the warmth of the season and the luxury of homemade baking.