Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the holidays, look no further than this Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse. This delightfully creamy cheesecake comes alive with a tangy cranberry jam swirl and a cloud of luxurious white chocolate mousse on top. It’s a gorgeous centerpiece that balances rich, sweet, and tart flavors for a truly unforgettable festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect holiday balance: Combines creamy cheesecake, tart cranberry jam, and sweet white chocolate mousse for a harmonious flavor profile.
• Beautiful presentation: The red cranberry swirls and snowy white mousse make it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with fresh cranberries for that seasonal touch.
• Make-ahead friendly: Easy to prepare in advance, letting you relax and enjoy your guests.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to different dietary preferences or tastes with a few clever tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is chosen to deliver the perfect combination of creamy texture, festive color, and rich flavor. Whether you’re blending tangy cranberries or melting smooth white chocolate, each component plays an essential role in crafting this showstopping dessert.

• Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake, providing that classic creamy and tangy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the tang of the cream cheese and cranberries.
• Fresh Cranberries: Adds vibrant color and tartness to the jam swirl, emphasizing the festive theme.
• White Chocolate: Melted and whipped into the mousse, lending a luscious, velvety finish.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for making the white chocolate mousse light and airy.
• Graham Crackers: Crushed for the buttery cheesecake crust that offers a perfect crunchy contrast.
• Butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness to the base.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances cranberry jam brightness and heightens cheesecake flavor.
• Gelatin: Helps the mousse set with a smooth, stable texture.

Variations for Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

Customize this festive favorite to suit your mood, diet, or what’s available in your pantry—it’s incredibly flexible and forgiving.

• Nutty crust: Substitute graham crackers with crushed pecans or ginger snaps for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegan twist: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and agar agar instead of gelatin to create a dairy-free version.
• Berry swap: Replace cranberry jam with raspberry or mixed berry jam for a different fruity tang.
• Chocolate topping: Add dark chocolate shavings or drizzle on top for those who prefer deeper cocoa notes.
• Alcohol infusion: Incorporate a splash of orange liqueur or brandy into the cranberry jam for an adult twist.

How to Make Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by crushing your graham crackers finely, then mix with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the cranberry jam

Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Let cool completely before swirling into the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add eggs one at a time, then fold in a little flour or cornstarch to help set the filling. Carefully fold half of the cooled cranberry jam into the batter for that beautiful marbling effect.

Step 4: Bake the cheesecake

Pour the filling over the chilled crust and bake in a water bath at a low temperature to prevent cracking. Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating overnight for best texture.

Step 5: Prepare the white chocolate mousse

Melt white chocolate gently over a double boiler and allow it to cool slightly. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold the chocolate and dissolved gelatin into the cream, mixing carefully to keep the mousse light and airy.

Step 6: Assemble the dessert

Spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the mousse to set perfectly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensures the cheesecake filling mixes evenly and prevents lumps.
• Water bath baking: Helps bake the cheesecake evenly and reduces the chance of cracks.
• Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate overnight so the flavors develop and the texture firms up nicely.
• Gentle folding: When combining mousse ingredients, fold gently to keep it light and fluffy.
• Test your gelatin: Bloom it properly in cold water before adding to avoid lumps.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

Garnishes

Top with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or edible gold flakes to enhance the holiday vibe and add a festive pop of color and texture.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of mulled wine or spiced cider, balancing the creamy sweetness and offering a complete holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cheesecake into individual portions layered with a dollop of extra cranberry jam and mousse on top, then serve on decorative holiday plates for a memorable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture without drying out the cheesecake or mousse.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, it’s best served cold. Allow frozen cheesecake to completely thaw in the refrigerator rather than reheating to retain the mousse’s airy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the mousse, and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative to make a creamy, delicious dairy-free festive cheesecake.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Using a water bath during baking helps control the temperature and moisture, which significantly reduces cracking. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t open the oven door frequently.

Can I use frozen cranberries for the jam?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw them before cooking and drain any excess liquid afterward to achieve the perfect jam consistency.

Is gelatin necessary for the white chocolate mousse?

Gelatin helps the mousse set firmly and holds the texture, but if you prefer a softer mousse, you can omit it and serve the mousse immediately after preparation.

How far in advance can I prepare this cheesecake?

You can prepare the entire cheesecake, including the mousse topping, up to 3 days in advance. Just make sure it’s tightly covered and kept refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse is truly a holiday dessert that brings joy to every bite. Its elegant appearance and perfectly balanced flavors are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Give it a try this season—you just might discover your new favorite festive treat!

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