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Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam & White Chocolate Mousse

A decadent and elegant Festive Christmas Cheesecake featuring a rich and creamy cream cheese base, a crisp digestive biscuit crust, tart cranberry jam layer, and a light, airy white chocolate mousse topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert balances sweet and tart flavors with smooth and fluffy textures to delight all guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
  • 100g unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 600g cream cheese, softened
  • 150g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 200g sour cream or Greek yogurt, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cranberry Jam Layer

  • 150g cranberry jam

White Chocolate Mousse

  • 150g white chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
  • 300ml heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the base of a 23cm springform pan, then chill it in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract for a rich and tangy flavor lift.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and bake at 160°C (320°F) in a water bath for about 50-60 minutes, until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly. This slow, gentle baking prevents cracks and ensures a creamy texture. Allow it to cool fully before moving on.
  4. Layer with Cranberry Jam: Spread a generous and even layer of tart cranberry jam over the cooled cheesecake, letting it settle as a vibrant, fruity contrast to the rich filling beneath.
  5. Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse: Melt white chocolate gently and let it cool slightly. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then carefully fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth and airy. Spread this delicate mousse over the cranberry jam layer.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for several hours or overnight to allow all the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up. Serve chilled and savor each festive slice.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream for smooth blending.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it airy and prevent cracks.
  • Bake the cheesecake in a water bath for even cooking and moisture retention.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill for several hours or overnight to set perfectly.
  • Use good quality white chocolate for the mousse to achieve the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean slices.
  • You can freeze the cheesecake before adding the mousse layer for up to 2 months.
  • Consider variations such as gluten-free crust, vegan alternatives, or spiced crust for a festive twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, festive dessert, cranberry jam, white chocolate mousse, holiday dessert