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Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

A festive and elegant Christmas Cheesecake featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a tangy cranberry jam swirl, creamy cheesecake layer, and topped with a luscious white chocolate mousse. Garnished with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings, this dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cranberry jam layer:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the white chocolate mousse:

  • 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish:

  • Sugared cranberries
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even crust layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
  2. Make the cranberry jam layer: In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Fold in sour cream and all-purpose flour until just combined. Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon dollops of the cranberry jam over the batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jam into the cheesecake mixture for a marbled effect.
  4. Bake the cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour to prevent cracking. Remove the cheesecake from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
  5. Create the white chocolate mousse: Gently melt chopped white chocolate and milk together using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the melted white chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and light. Spread the mousse evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer and refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours to set.
  6. Garnish and serve: Before serving, decorate the top of the cheesecake with sugared cranberries, white chocolate shavings, and optional whipped cream. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy this festive, creamy holiday dessert.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the batter.
  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably depending on availability; frozen may require slightly longer cooking for jam.
  • To make sugared cranberries, toss fresh cranberries in simple syrup and then coat in superfine sugar.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly to achieve clean slices and optimal texture.
  • Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Christmas Cheesecake, Cranberry Jam, White Chocolate Mousse, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cheesecake

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/christmas-cranberry-white-chocolate-mousse-cheesecake-recipe/