Name: Festive Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup white chocolate chips; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh cranberries; White chocolate shavings; Whipped cream

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Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam is the ultimate festive dessert that will make your holiday celebrations truly special. This stunning layered cheesecake features a rich and creamy cheesecake base, topped with a vibrant homemade cranberry jam, and finished with a delicate white chocolate mousse. It’s a delightful combination that not only tastes amazing but also looks incredible on your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

This Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
Delicious balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Versatile: serves well as a festive cheesecake cranberry compote.
Ideal for those looking for a unique holiday cheesecake cranberry sauce.

This recipe is American in cuisine and is vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for many diets.

Ingredients for Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

Gather these items:

2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup white chocolate chips
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh cranberries
White chocolate shavings
Whipped cream

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam Step-by-Step

Step 1: Line a springform pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 2: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
Step 3: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45–55 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours.
Step 4: Cook cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon zest for 10–12 minutes until thickened. Cool completely and spread over chilled cheesecake.

Festive Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam Delight - Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam - main visual representation

Step 5: Melt white chocolate and cool slightly. Whip cream with vanilla to soft peaks, then fold in chocolate. Spread mousse over jam layer.
Step 6: Refrigerate the entire cheesecake for 6–8 hours or overnight for perfect slicing and stable layers.
Step 7: Garnish with cranberries, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or mint. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter.
Make the cranberry jam ahead of time for easier assembly.
Ensure the cheesecake is completely cooled before adding the jam.
For a unique holiday cheesecake idea, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the cheesecake batter.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

This cheesecake is best served chilled, making it a refreshing holiday dessert. Pair it with:

Fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Chocolate-covered strawberries for added sweetness.
A drizzle of homemade cranberry sauce for extra tartness.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

To store, cover the cheesecake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can serve it cold straight from the fridge, but for the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam?

The secret lies in using high-quality cream cheese and allowing the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the cranberry jam. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Can I make Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it’s properly refrigerated to maintain freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam?

To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Using a water bath can also help maintain moisture.

Variations of Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Substituting the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Incorporating a layer of gingerbread crumbs for a seasonal twist.
Using different fruits like raspberry or blueberry for the jam topping.

These adaptations can bring new life to your seasonal cranberry cheesecake dessert!

Festive Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam Delight - Christmas Cheesecake Cranberry Jam - additional detail

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipe or explore Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes for Thanksgiving. If you’re interested in more festive recipes, visit our Last Recipes page for inspiration!