Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse
Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse is a luscious holiday dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake base swirled with tangy cranberry jam, topped with a light and airy white chocolate mousse. This stunning centerpiece combines sweet, tart, and rich flavors, making it perfect for celebrating the festive season with family and friends.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 13 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cranberry Jam
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1/2 cup prepared cranberry jam (from above)
For the White Chocolate Mousse
- 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers finely, then mix with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the cranberry jam: Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time slowly, then fold in flour or cornstarch. Gently fold half of the cooled cranberry jam into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour filling over chilled crust. Bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for about 55-65 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight for best texture.
- Prepare the white chocolate mousse: Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Melt white chocolate over a double boiler, allow to cool slightly. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, gently fold in melted chocolate and dissolved gelatin mixture, keeping mousse light and airy.
- Assemble the dessert: Evenly spread white chocolate mousse over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let mousse set before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to prevent cracks.
- Chill cheesecake overnight to develop flavor and firm texture.
- Fold mousse ingredients gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Bloom gelatin properly in cold water before use to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Christmas dessert, holiday cheesecake, cranberry jam, white chocolate mousse, festive dessert, cheesecake recipe