Christmas Cheesecake

Discover the magic of the holiday season with this delightful Christmas Cheesecake. With layers of creamy sweetness and a festive cranberry-orange topping, it puts everyone in a celebratory mood. This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for busy days when you want to impress family and friends.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 27g
Sodium: 220mg

Why Make Christmas Cheesecake

Christmas Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday experience. It combines the richness of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberries, creating a flavor profile that is both sweet and refreshing. Plus, this cheesecake can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. The festive colors also make it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Step by Step

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp fresh orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs (room temperature)
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups heavy cream (very cold, divided)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 oz white chocolate baking bar (broken into small pieces)
1 tbsp water
1 tsp unflavored gelatin

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. To make the cranberry-orange sauce, combine cranberries, water, and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst. Stir in orange juice, whole berry cranberry sauce, and zest. Set aside to cool.
3. For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, pecans, melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream, flour, and vanilla until combined.
5. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. For the whipped cream topping, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and melted gelatin mixture until combined.
7. Spread the whipped cream over cooled cheesecake, then top with cranberry-orange sauce before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Cheesecake

Serve your Christmas Cheesecake with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added texture. A side of spiced holiday cookies or a fresh fruit salad complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a festive drink, consider pairing it with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of sparkling cider.

How to Store Christmas Cheesecake

Store your leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered or in an airtight container. It will remain fresh for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Expert Tips for Cooking Christmas Cheesecake

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps the cheesecake set perfectly.
• For best results, use a water bath while baking to prevent cracking.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the whipped cream topping.
• Experiment with the cranberry sauce; adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

Delicious Variations of Christmas Cheesecake

Make it spicy by adding a hint of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. For a citrus twist, consider mixing in zest from lemons or limes. For a vegetarian option, replace gelatin with agar-agar to set the topping.

In conclusion, there’s nothing quite like the festive cheer of Christmas Cheesecake. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a must-try this holiday season. Whether for a gathering or a special dessert at home, this cheesecake will surely delight everyone!