This holiday dessert features a harmonious blend of tangy cranberry jam and velvety cheesecake, crowned with a rich white chocolate mousse. Begin by crafting a graham cracker crust, followed by cooking fresh cranberries into a jam, which forms the first cheesecake layer. Prepare a smooth filling of cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and eggs, poured over the jam-coated crust and baked until set. Once baked and chilled, spread additional cranberry jam atop the cheesecake. Finish with a luscious white chocolate mousse, made by melting white chocolate into softened cream cheese and folding in whipped topping. Garnish with optional candied cranberries for an extra festive touch. This dessert promises to be a showstopper at any holiday gathering.
Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake: A Holiday Dessert Masterpiece
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through many homes, signaling the start of a festive and joyful time. For many of us, baking is an integral part of holiday traditions, whether it's making gingerbread man cookies with the children, preparing a grand dessert for Christmas dinner, or simply enjoying the warm, comforting smells that fill our kitchens. In this article, we will delve into the creation of a truly special holiday dessert: the Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake.
This heavenly dessert is more than just a treat; it's a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The combination of a vanilla bean cheesecake, an easy cranberry jam, and a smooth white chocolate mousse makes it a magical addition to any Christmas dinner. Here, we'll guide you through every step of making this exquisite cheesecake, from the crust to the final decorative touches.
The Significance of Holiday Baking
Holiday baking is a tradition that brings families and friends together. It's a time to share recipes, create new ones, and pass down generations-old favorites. For me, holiday baking is about more than just making desserts; it's about the memories we create in the kitchen. Every year, I look forward to baking with my children, teaching them the same recipes my mother taught me. The joy of seeing their faces light up when they take their first bite of a freshly baked cookie or cheesecake is something I cherish deeply.
Introducing the Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake
This Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake is a highlight of our holiday dessert menu. It combines the richness of a vanilla bean cheesecake with the tangy sweetness of homemade cranberry jam and the creamy indulgence of white chocolate mousse. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will make your holiday gatherings truly special.
Description of the Dessert
Flavors and Textures
The foundation of this cheesecake is a buttery graham cracker crust, which provides a crunchy base for the creamy cheesecake filling. The cheesecake itself is infused with the subtle flavor of vanilla beans, adding a depth and warmth that complements the tartness of the cranberry jam perfectly. The cranberry jam, made with fresh cranberries, white granulated sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract, adds a burst of flavor and color to the cheesecake.
The final layer is the smooth white chocolate mousse, which adds a luxurious and creamy texture. Made with baking white chocolate, softened cream cheese, and whipped topping, this mousse is both easy to prepare and incredibly decadent.
Magical Appeal
This cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it's a showstopper. The combination of the golden crust, the creamy white cheesecake, the vibrant red cranberry jam, and the snowy white chocolate mousse makes it a visually stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Whether you're hosting a small family dinner or a large holiday party, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
Optional Decorations
Candied Cranberries
One of the most beautiful and optional decorations for this cheesecake is candied cranberries. These sweet and tangy little gems add a pop of color and flavor to the top of the cheesecake. While they do require some preparation time, the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s how you can make them:
- Combine 1 ½ cups of water and 1 ½ cups of sugar in a sauce pot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding 8 oz of fresh cranberries.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the cranberries and coat them in ½ cup of sugar or super fine sugar.
I personally love making a double batch of candied cranberries, not only for decorating the cheesecake but also for snacking on throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cranberry Jam
- 16 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- ½ Tbsp vanilla extract
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp corn starch
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
White Chocolate Mousse
- 8 oz baking white chocolate bars (2-4 oz bars)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping (like COOL Whip)
Candied Cranberries (Optional)
- 8 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup sugar or super fine sugar
Preparation Steps
Crust Preparation
To start, prepare the crust by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and goes about halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Cranberry Jam Layering
While the crust is cooling, prepare the cranberry jam. In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, white granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the cranberries are soft and the sauce has thickened, which usually takes about 12-15 minutes. Let the jam cool completely.
Spread half of the cooled cranberry jam over the prepared crust.
Cheesecake Preparation
For the cheesecake filling, start by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Lower the speed and add the corn starch. While on medium-low speed, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Mix until all combined, then scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again and mix until smooth.
Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds into the cheesecake batter. Mix well until the seeds are evenly distributed throughout.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the springform pan over the cranberry jam layer. To ensure even baking, place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add water halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. Bake at 325°F for 70-75 minutes.
After baking, let the cheesecake rest in the oven with the door half open for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the counter for 20 minutes. Run a greased butter knife between the cheesecake and the pan to separate it, then let it cool completely.
Adding Remaining Cranberry Jam
Once the cheesecake is cooled, spread the remaining cranberry jam over the top. Cover the pan with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
White Chocolate Mousse Preparation
To make the white chocolate mousse, melt the white chocolate bars according to the package instructions. Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for a couple of minutes. Drizzle in the melted white chocolate while continuing to beat the cream cheese. Mix well until combined.
Fold in the whipped topping gently until all combined. Spread the mousse over the top of the cooled cheesecake.
Decoration
If you're using candied cranberries, spread them on top of the white chocolate mousse. This adds a beautiful and festive touch to the cheesecake.
Candied Cranberries Preparation (Optional)
As mentioned earlier, candied cranberries are a delightful and optional decoration. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make them:
- Combine 1 ½ cups of water and 1 ½ cups of sugar in a sauce pot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding 8 oz of fresh cranberries.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the cranberries and coat them in ½ cup of sugar or super fine sugar.
These candied cranberries not only add a pop of color but also a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the cheesecake perfectly.
Additional Holiday Dessert Ideas
While the Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake is a star of the holiday dessert menu, here are some other ideas to complement it:
White Chocolate Cranberry Soft and Chewy Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are a perfect combination of white chocolate and cranberries, making them a great accompaniment to your cheesecake. The soft and chewy texture, along with the crinkled surface, adds a delightful element to your holiday cookie platter.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is a wonderful breakfast or brunch option during the holidays. The tangy cream cheese frosting paired with the sweet and tart cranberries makes it a delicious and festive treat.
Other Suggestions
- Cranberry Apple Crisp: A warm and comforting dessert that combines fresh cranberries and apples with a crunchy oat topping.
- White Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies: Simple yet elegant, these cookies are perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or coffee.
- Cranberry Orange Scones: Flaky, buttery scones infused with the flavors of cranberries and orange zest, perfect for a holiday breakfast.
Final Touches and Serving
Once your cheesecake is completely cooled and the white chocolate mousse is set, it's ready to be served. Here are a few tips to ensure it looks as good as it tastes:
- Use a sharp knife to release the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- If you're using candied cranberries, arrange them on top of the mousse in a pattern that you find visually appealing.
- Slice the cheesecake just before serving to ensure clean cuts.
- Serve chilled, allowing each guest to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
Ensuring Perfection: Tips and Variations
To ensure your Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake turns out perfectly, here are a few additional tips:
- Water Bath: Always use a water bath when baking cheesecakes to prevent cracking and ensure even baking.
- Wrapping the Springform Pan: Wrap the outside of the springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
- Cooling: Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before refrigerating it. This helps it set properly and prevents cracking.
- Variations: If you prefer a different type of crust, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with other ingredients like almonds or pecans. For the cheesecake filling, you can add other flavors like orange zest or lemon juice to give it a unique twist.
Celebrating the Holiday Spirit with Every Bite
The Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of the holiday spirit. With its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and the love that goes into making it, this cheesecake is sure to become a new family tradition. Whether you're hosting a large holiday dinner or a small family gathering, this cheesecake will be the perfect centerpiece, bringing joy and festive cheer to your table.
So, as you embark on this holiday baking journey, remember the joy and love that each recipe brings. The Christmas Cranberry Jam Cheesecake is a recipe that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy baking