Nothing says holiday magic quite like the creamy, velvety texture of this Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe. Imagine biting into a luscious white chocolate mousse layered over tangy cranberry jam, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust—a festive treat that's as delightful to make as it is to eat.

The image shows a creamy cheesecake with a thick golden-brown crust at the bottom, topped by a layer of mixed dark red and purple berries embedded in a bright red sauce. Above this is a thick, smooth white cream cheese layer, followed by a thick top layer of white whipped cream decorated with piped swirls around the edge. The cake is cut to show the inside layers clearly, and there is a pile of fresh, sugar-coated red and purple berries placed on top. The cake sits on a white decorative plate on a white marbled surface with a dark black background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake has become my go-to holiday dessert because it perfectly balances richness and brightness — something you really want when dessert comes around after a big feast. Plus, it’s impressive enough to wow guests but easy enough for a home baker to tackle with confidence.

Layered Flavors: You'll enjoy the contrast between the creamy white chocolate mousse and the tart cranberry jam that feels like a holiday symphony in your mouth.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare most components in advance, making your holiday stress-free and joyful.
Visual Wow Factor: The decorated candied cranberries on top add sparkle and a professional touch that’s sure to impress.
Perfect Balance of Texture: From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the silky filling, this cheesecake offers a delightful mouthfeel.

The image shows a round cheesecake with three layers: a thick brown crumb base at the bottom, a pale yellow creamy middle layer, and a white whipped topping layer. On top of the whipped cream, there is a ring of swirled cream rosettes near the edge of the cake. The center is filled with a pile of red and dark red berries covered in a sugary frost. The cake sits on a white ornate cake stand, with a dark black background behind it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in the Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe come together in harmony to create a dessert that tastes as wonderful as it looks. Each element has its role: tart cranberries, smooth cream cheese, and sweet white chocolate all contribute to the layers of flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh bright red cranberries, a small bowl of white granulated sugar, a small bowl of light brown sugar, a few sticks of melted golden butter in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of smooth sour cream, two clean whole brown eggs, a split vanilla bean pod showing black seeds, a large block of white baking chocolate next to a chunk broken off, a soft white cream cheese log, a small white bowl filled with fluffy whipped topping, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with finely crushed golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white bowl of cream-colored heavy whipping cream, and a small white bowl with translucent pale yellow vanilla extract liquid, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh cranberries: Their natural tartness brightens the jam and balances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
White granulated sugar: Essential for sweetening the jam and the cheesecake filling without overpowering the flavors.
Vanilla extract and vanilla bean: Adds warmth and depth, elevating the cheesecake to a richer flavor experience.
Graham cracker crumbs: The base for the crust, providing a buttery, slightly crunchy texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses to the crust for more complexity.
Butter: Binds the crust and contributes richness—don’t skip melting it properly for even mixing.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient for that classic, creamy cheesecake texture.
Heavy whipping cream & sour cream: For smoothness, lightness, and a perfect balance of tang and cream.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability while keeping the filling rich.
Corn starch: Helps the cheesecake set beautifully without cracking.
White chocolate baking bars: Melted into the mousse for a decadent layer of sweetness.
Whipped topping: Lightens the mousse to airy, fluffy perfection.
Candied cranberries (optional): Not just decoration—they add a pop of texture and a pretty festive touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I've played with a few variations of this cheesecake, and honestly, it’s pretty flexible without losing its charm. Feel free to tweak it — that’s half the fun! Don't hesitate to swap out the white chocolate mousse for a classic whipped cream topping if you want something lighter.

Orange zest twist: Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the cranberry jam brings a bright citrus note that’s fantastic during the holidays—I love how it adds an extra layer of brightness.
Gluten-free crust: Try almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Berry swap: Substitute raspberries for cranberries in the jam for a milder tartness if you prefer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Cranberry Jam

Start by gently cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of vanilla extract on medium heat. Stir it often so nothing sticks or burns. You'll see those cranberries burst and thicken into a gorgeous ruby-red jam in about 12-15 minutes. Let it cool completely to prevent melting your cheesecake later. I always make this part first—it’s quick and fills the kitchen with that cozy holiday scent that gets me excited.

Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Crust

Mix your graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until it feels like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. To avoid soggy crusts, I like to pre-bake mine for about 8 minutes at 325°F, but this recipe’s jam layer makes that step optional. Just make sure to press that crust in tight so it holds well.

Step 3: Layer and Chill the Jam

Spread half of your cooled cranberry jam evenly over the crust. This fruity layer is what makes this Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe so special—it keeps that perfect tang beneath the creamy cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Mixing the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth — this usually takes about 2 minutes with my mixer on medium-high. Add vanilla and sour cream, then eggs one by one, making sure each is fully combined before the next. Lower your mixer speed before adding corn starch and pouring in the heavy whipping cream. Scrape your bowl sides often to avoid lumps. Finally, scoop in the seeds from a vanilla bean pod for an intense, natural vanilla flavor. This step is the magic that makes your cheesecake rich yet smooth enough to melt on your tongue.

Step 5: Baking with a Water Bath

Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the jam layer. Set your springform pan inside a larger roasting pan, then pour hot water halfway up the sides of the springform. This water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking. Bake at 325°F for around 70-75 minutes. When done, turn off the oven, crack the door open halfway, and let the cheesecake rest for 10 minutes. This gradual cooling step helps avoid sudden temperature shocks that cause cracks.

Step 6: Cooling and Adding Final Touches

Once out of the oven, let the cheesecake cool on the counter for about 20 minutes before running a buttered knife gently around the edges. Then chill it for an hour before spreading the remaining cranberry jam on top. After wrapping it up, pop it in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight to set perfectly.

Step 7: The White Chocolate Mousse Finish

Melt white chocolate bars carefully, then beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Slowly mix in the melted white chocolate, then gently fold in whipped topping to keep it light and airy. Spread this mousse over the chilled cheesecake layer. For extra flair, pipe some mousse around the edges and top with optional candied cranberries for sparkle and an added burst of tartness—the crowning glory of this recipe.

Top Tip

From my experience, this Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe bakes best with a little patience and preparation. Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you nail it:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
Water Bath Wrap: Don’t forget to wrap your springform pan in foil tightly if you’re worried about leaks during the water bath.
Don’t Overbeat: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined to prevent cracks and a dense texture.
Cooling is Key: Slowly cooling the cheesecake in the oven then at room temp before refrigeration really helps prevent cracks and keeps that velvety texture.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Cheesecake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this cheesecake with the candied cranberries—they add a beautiful sparkle and a sweet-tart snap. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or dust a little powdered sugar for extra holiday cheer. A few fresh mint leaves bring a pop of green and freshness that brightens each slice.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesecake with simple sides like spiced mulled wine or a citrusy cranberry cocktail. For a holiday brunch, it goes wonderfully alongside light smoked salmon and crackers or a festive fruit salad to keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make mini versions in ramekins or mason jars, layering jam, cheesecake filling, and mousse separately. It’s a charming individual treat that’s fun to serve at parties. You can also drizzle extra white chocolate or create a lattice of the leftover cranberry jam on top for a stunning effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing, I tightly cover leftover cheesecake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days and actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheesecake wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, and it freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture. Avoid freezing the candied cranberries on top—they’re best fresh.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served cold, so I recommend enjoying it straight from the fridge. That said, if you want it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to get those creamy layers to melt in your mouth just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cranberry jam and candied cranberries the day before saves you time. The cheesecake itself benefits from chilling overnight to set perfectly.

What’s the best way to avoid cracks on my cheesecake?

Use a water bath when baking, don’t overbeat the eggs, and cool the cheesecake gradually—first in the turned-off oven with the door slightly open, then on the counter before refrigerating.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries can substitute fresh ones for the jam and candied cranberries, but fresh cranberries tend to yield better texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use a vanilla bean?

While the vanilla bean adds a beautiful aroma and little black flecks that look pretty, you can use extra vanilla extract if you don’t have one on hand. The flavor will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s the dessert I reach for when I want to treat my family with something both festive and elegant without spending an all-day marathon in the kitchen. I genuinely hope you’ll give it a try—it’s the kind of recipe that once you make it, it becomes a beloved tradition. Trust me, your holiday table will thank you!