Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe: A Slice of Holiday Magic
Celebrate the season with this show-stopping Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake—a creamy, dreamy dessert layered with festive flavors and crowned with sparkling candied cranberries. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or cozying up with loved ones, this cheesecake brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients
Candied Fresh Cranberries (for Garnish)
These jewel-like cranberries add a sparkling finish and a tart contrast to the rich cheesecake.
- ¾ cup water
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (divided: ½ cup for syrup, 1 cup for coating)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Cranberry Compote Layer
A sweet-tart layer that adds vibrant color and flavor.
- 14 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Crust
Nutty, buttery, and spiced—this crust is the perfect base.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
Rich, velvety, and infused with vanilla—this is the heart of the dessert.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
White Chocolate Whipped Cream Layer
Light, luxurious, and subtly sweet—this topping adds elegance and flavor.
- 2½ cups heavy cream, very cold (divided: 1 cup, 1 cup, and ½ cup)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces white chocolate baking bar, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
Instructions
- Make the Candied Cranberries
- In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, ½ cup sugar, and orange juice. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add cranberries and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove and drain.
- Roll cranberries in remaining 1 cup sugar. Let dry on parchment paper for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Cranberry Compote
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, sugar, orange juice, zest, and salt.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
- Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham crumbs, pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Blend in sour cream, flour, and vanilla.
- Pour over cooled crust. Bake for 55–65 minutes until center is set.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Make the White Chocolate Whipped Cream
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate with ½ cup cream in a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Cool slightly.
- Whip remaining 2 cups cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold in white chocolate mixture. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
- Assemble and Garnish
- Spread cranberry compote over cheesecake layer.
- Top with white chocolate whipped cream.
- Garnish with candied cranberries just before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth cheesecake.
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Make candied cranberries a day ahead for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a warm mug of spiced cider or hot cocoa. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with holiday cheer and twinkling lights.
final thoughts
this Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of the season. With its vibrant layers and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. Bake it, share it, and savor every magical bite.