Christmas Cheesecake Recipe

Jolly Christmas Cheesecake Recipe: A Festive Sweet Treat

Unwrapping a magical christmas cheesecake brings festive cheer right to your dessert table.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the kitchen.

Creamy layers promise indulgent moments of holiday happiness.

Delicate crumbs and rich cream cheese blend into a seasonal masterpiece.

Sprinkled with holiday spirit, this dessert tells a delicious story of comfort and joy.

Whip up this spectacular treat that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite of this festive delight.

Christmas Cheesecake FAQ

  • What ingredients make this cheesecake unique?

The combination of cream cheese and mascarpone creates an exceptionally smooth and rich texture, while white chocolate, pistachios, and cranberries add a luxurious holiday-inspired flavor profile.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can replace mascarpone with additional cream cheese, swap pistachios with almonds, and use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable. The white chocolate can be substituted with a similar white chocolate-flavored baking chip.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Bake the cheesecake at a low temperature (325°F), cool it gradually by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly open, and avoid overmixing the batter, which can introduce too much air and cause cracking.

Why Christmas Cheesecake Is Always A Winner

  • Craft an Irresistible Base: Create a perfectly textured graham cracker crust that provides a delightful crunch and sturdy foundation for your luxurious cheesecake.
  • Master Silky Smooth Filling: Blend cream cheese and mascarpone into a velvety mixture that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every single bite.
  • Deck Out with Festive Flair: Transform an ordinary cheesecake into a stunning dessert with elegant white chocolate drizzles, vibrant cranberries, and a sprinkle of warm spices that scream holiday celebration.
  • Zero Complicated Techniques: Navigate this recipe with simple mixing and baking steps that guarantee a professional-looking dessert without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Everything You Need For Christmas Cheesecake

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic base that provides a sandy, crumbly foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, solid crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy texture.
  • Mascarpone: Adds extra richness and smooth consistency to the filling.
  • White Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps create a silky smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and velvety mouthfeel of the cheesecake.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • White Chocolate: Creates a glossy, decorative drizzle that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Pistachios, Cranberries: Provide a festive and colorful garnish with contrasting textures.
  • Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add a warm, spiced dusting that complements the cheesecake.
  • Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the dessert.

Steps To Make Christmas Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Crumbly Foundation

Grab graham crackers and pulverize them into ultra-fine powder using a food processor or rolling pin until texture resembles delicate sand.

Step 2: Create Crust Base

Melt butter and blend thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs until mixture looks like damp beach sand. Press mixture firmly and evenly into a springform pan, creating a solid foundation.

Step 3: Chill Crust

Pop crust into refrigerator for 15 minutes while warming oven to 325°F.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mascarpone

Blend until ultra-smooth with zero lumps.

Step 5: Sweeten the Mix

Gradually incorporate white sugar, stirring until completely dissolved and mixture transforms into silky perfection.

Step 6: Add Egg Magic

Introduce eggs one by one, mixing completely after each addition to maintain perfectly consistent texture.

Step 7: Enhance Flavor Profile

Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream

Gently fold ingredients to create luxurious, velvety filling.

Step 8: Pour and Smooth

Transfer cheesecake mixture over chilled crust, using spatula to eliminate any pesky air pockets.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50-60 minutes until center appears almost set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.

Step 10: Gentle Cooling

Switch off oven, crack door open, and allow cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour to prevent unsightly cracks.

Step 11: Refrigerate

Chill cheesecake for minimum 4 hours or entire night for complete setting.

Step 12: White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate using double boiler or microwave until silky smooth.

Step 13: Artistic Decoration

Drizzle melted white chocolate across cheesecake surface in elegant pattern.

Step 14: Festive Toppings

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Fresh cranberries

Step 15: Final Flourish

Dust with magical blend of:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Orange zest

Step 16: Serve and Celebrate

Slice chilled cheesecake and revel in decadent holiday masterpiece.

Tips For Baking Christmas Cheesecake Right

  • Prevent Cracking Technique: Cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to minimize surface cracks and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Smooth Filling Secret: Beat cream cheese and mascarpone thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky, luxurious consistency throughout the dessert.
  • Precise Crust Preparation: Press graham cracker crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Maintain a consistent 325°F (165°C) oven temperature and bake until the center is just barely set, allowing gentle carryover cooking.
  • Garnish Like a Pro: Add a final touch of chopped pistachios, fresh cranberries, and a delicate dusting of spiced powdered sugar to elevate the visual and flavor appeal.

Variations For Christmas Cheesecake Flavor

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour mixed with melted butter for a celiac-friendly crust.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese and mascarpone with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Substitute white chocolate drizzle with dark chocolate ganache, add cocoa powder to the cheesecake base, and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
  • Tropical Remix: Replace pistachios and cranberries with toasted coconut flakes, add a passion fruit coulis, and incorporate a hint of rum into the filling for a Caribbean-inspired treat.

What Goes Best With Christmas Cheesecake

  • Pair Sweet Sparkling Moscato: Delicate white wine with light bubbles complements the creamy cheesecake's richness and enhances the white chocolate's sweetness.
  • Serve Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic tea with cinnamon and nutmeg notes perfectly matches the cheesecake's holiday spice profile and provides a comforting contrast.
  • Create Cranberry Orange Spritzer: Bright, tangy non-alcoholic drink that echoes the dessert's cranberry and orange zest elements, refreshing the palate between bites.
  • Offer Dark Roast Espresso: Bold coffee cuts through the cheesecake's richness, while its deep flavor harmonizes with the nutty pistachio and warm spice undertones.

Store Christmas Cheesecake The Right Way

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping the cheesecake's texture and flavor intact.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 1-2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual portions, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go treats throughout the week.
  • Gently warm slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and prevent drying out.
Print
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Christmas Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive holiday spirits dance through this luxurious Christmas Cheesecake, blending creamy richness with seasonal spices. Smooth cream cheese layers mingle with gentle peppermint notes, promising delightful Christmas cheer you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Base:

  • 200 g / 7 oz graham crackers
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz unsalted butter

Filling:

  • 600 g / 21 oz cream cheese
  • 200 g / 7 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 150 g / 5.3 oz white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 30 ml / 2 tbsp heavy cream

Holiday Topping:

  • 100 g / 3.5 oz white chocolate
  • 50 g / 1.8 oz cranberries
  • 30 g / 1 oz pistachios
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, creating a sandy texture for the perfect base.
  2. Melt butter and thoroughly mix with graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan to create an even, compact foundation.
  3. Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to set while preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Gradually incorporate white sugar, mixing until fully dissolved and the mixture becomes silky.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
  7. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, gently folding to create a luxurious, velvety filling.
  8. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to eliminate air pockets.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
  10. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  11. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  12. Melt white chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  13. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled cheesecake in an artistic pattern.
  14. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and fresh cranberries across the surface for festive decoration.
  15. Dust with a blend of powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, adding orange zest for a bright, aromatic finish.
  16. Slice and serve chilled, embracing the decadent holiday flavors of this show-stopping dessert.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and even baking consistency.
  • Crush graham crackers finely to create a compact, stable crust that won’t crumble when slicing.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking during baking.
  • Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle heating and prevent surface cracks.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
  • Garnish with seasonal berries or dairy-free chocolate for personalized festive touches.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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