Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake – Get into the holiday spirit with our Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake, a combination of tangy flavors. This delightful dessert features cranberries and a rich cheesecake filling making it the perfect addition, to any gathering. Our star ingredients – cream cheese, white chocolate and cranberries – blend together harmoniously to create a Christmas-inspired treat.
The first time I prepared this cheesecake was on a snowy December evening. The entire house was filled with the aroma of simmering cranberries and the warmth from the oven made our kitchen the coziest place to be. Even my skeptical husband couldn’t resist falling in love with it after taking his bite. My child’s eyes lit up at its sight proclaiming it as the highlight of our Christmas celebrations!
What makes this Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake truly delightful?
Our Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake is not only a delight for your taste buds but also an enchanting sight for your eyes. The vibrant red color of the cranberries provides a contrast against the cheesecake making it an exquisite centerpiece for any holiday table setting. Achieving its velvety texture is all thanks, to using room-temperature Philadelphia cream cheese known for its creamy nature.
However what really makes this cheesecake special is the cranberry sauce. It adds a sweetness that beautifully complements the creamy white chocolate and cream cheese filling. This delightful combination of flavors and its appealing presentation guarantees that this cheesecake will be a standout addition, to your holiday festivities.
What You Need To Make This Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe?
Graham Crackers: There’s something, about the subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch of graham crackers. They bring back memories of childhood snacks. In our cheesecake they serve as the foundation. Their crunchy base creates a contrast with the creamy filling on top.
Cream Cheese: The heart and soul of our cheesecake. We absolutely love Philadelphia cream cheese for its texture and rich flavor. It’s like the epitome of cream cheeses adding a touch that melts in your mouth.
White Chocolate: This isn’t any chocolate; it’s the touch of sweetness in our cheesecake. Opt for quality chocolate to enhance the flavor profile even more. When melted and blended into the batter it brings a note, a richness that beautifully complements the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Cranberries: These little gems are what make our cheesecake shine brightly. Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness and a splash of color. Evoke feelings of joyous celebration. During baking they transform into sweet morsels while still maintaining their characteristic cranberry zing.
Lemon Juice & Cornstarch in the Sauce: These ingredients may not be, in the spotlight. They play roles behind the scenes. The addition of lemon juice provides a touch of freshness to counterbalance the natural sweetness of the cranberries. We use cornstarch as a thickening agent transforming the cranberries into a jam-like topping that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty.
Steps To Make Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake:
Step 1: Start by allowing your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature. This will result in a smoother cheesecake. While they warm up preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your 9″ springform pan by greasing it with butter and wrapping the outside with foil.
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Step 2: For the cranberry filling combine water, lemon juice and cornstarch in a bowl. This mixture will thicken the cranberry sauce. In a pan mix this thickening mixture with cranberries and sugar. Heat it until it thickens (2 to 5 minutes) set it aside to cool.
Step 3: To make the cheesecake filling blend one package of cream cheese with cornstarch. A little bit of sugar, in a bowl until smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining cream cheese, followed by the rest of the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time while gently mixing. Carefully melt chocolate add it to the mixture and then pour in whipping cream. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Now let assemble the cheesecake; Combine crushed graham crackers, with melted butter and press this mixture into your pan as a crust base. Pour the cheesecake filling over this crust evenly. Spoon dollops of cranberry filling on top. Use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake batter.
Step 5: For baking the cheesecake you’ll need to place the pan containing the cheesecake, inside a pan. Fill the pan with water making sure it reaches up the side of the cheesecake pan. Bake this setup for 70 to 80 minutes until you notice a golden color on top of the cheesecake and it has a gentle jiggle when moved.
Step 6: Once baked allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. After that transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it chill, for at least 3 hours or even overnight.
Tip:
When you’re making your Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake, a tip is to use a water bath. This technique involves putting your cheesecake pan inside a pan filled with water so that it reaches about halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. The water bath creates a gentle and even heat around the cheesecake, which helps prevent temperature changes that could lead to cracks, on the surface. It also adds moisture to the oven keeping your cheesecake nice and creamy without drying out. To make sure no water gets into your cheesecake be sure to seal the foil around your springform pan. Taking this step can make all the difference, in achieving that perfect smooth top that every baker wants in their cheesecake!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for the cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Frozen cranberries work well as fresh ones. Just make sure they’re completely thawed before you begin making the sauce. The texture and flavor will be pretty similar so they’re an alternative if fresh cranberries aren’t available.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Cracks, in a cheesecake often occur because of overmixing or sudden temperature changes. To avoid this mix the ingredients at a low speed to avoid incorporating much air into the batter. Additionally allow your cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open before moving it to the countertop. This gradual cooling process helps prevent setting of the top and reduces the chances of cracking.
Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely this cheesecake is perfect for preparing in advance. In fact it tastes better when given time to set properly in the refrigerator. You can make it a day or two ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it incredibly convenient for occasions, like holiday gatherings where you have dishes to prepare.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 package plus 2 full strips regular graham crackers
- ¼ c butter
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese at room temperature Philadelphia ONLY, please see note below
- ¼ c cornstarch
- 1 ¼ c sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 8 ounces white chocolate melted*
- ½ c plus 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 4 tbsp sugar
- ¾ c water
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Before you begin make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9" springform pan by greasing it with butter and wrapping the outside with foil.
- Start by making the sauce: In a bowl mix together water, lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. In a pan combine cranberries, 4 tablespoons of sugar and the cornstarch mixture. Cook over heat until thickened (usually takes around 2 to 5 minutes) then let it cool.
- Now it's time to prepare the cheesecake filling: Blend 24 ounces of cream cheese with ¼ cup of cornstarch and ¼ cup of sugar until smooth. Add in 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Then add the eggs one at a time. Stir in melted chocolate (8 ounces) along with half a cup plus one tablespoon of cream.
- Assemble your cheesecake: Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter (¼ cup). Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over this crust.
- Spoon dollops of sauce on top of the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl it using a knife to create an attractive pattern.
- To ensure baking place your springform pan inside another pan filled halfway with water.
- Bake your cheesecake, for 70 to 80 minutes until it is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow your cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating it for three hours or overnight to ensure that it sets properly.
- Finally indulge yourself in this flavorful Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake!
- Enjoy creating this dessert to share with family and friends during the holiday season!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
