If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious, this Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and White Chocolate Mousse is the answer. This cheesecake combines a rich, creamy white chocolate mousse with a tart and sweet cranberry jam layer, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely indulgent, making it the perfect holiday dessert to impress your family and guests.
What makes this cheesecake so special is the balance of sweetness from the white chocolate mousse and the tartness from the cranberry jam. The creamy, smooth texture of the mousse complements the refreshing zing of the cranberry, while the graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch. The best part is that the mousse and cranberry jam layers are both simple to make, but they come together to create a truly luxurious dessert. It’s everything you love about a cheesecake, with a festive twist!
I first made this Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake for Christmas, hoping to create something different yet comforting for the holiday table. The flavors and textures were a hit with my family, and I’ve since made it every year as a holiday tradition. The combination of creamy mousse, tart cranberry, and buttery crust just feels like the perfect way to celebrate the season. It’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, and I know it’ll become a favorite in your holiday repertoire as well!
Why This Christmas Cheesecake Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert
- Festive and beautiful: The combination of red cranberry jam and creamy white chocolate mousse creates a stunning, holiday-worthy dessert.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet white chocolate mousse pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry jam, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Creamy and indulgent: The rich mousse and smooth cheesecake filling make this dessert incredibly indulgent and satisfying.
- Great for any holiday celebration: Whether you’re serving it at Christmas dinner or a New Year’s Eve gathering, this cheesecake will surely impress your guests.
What You Need For Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cranberry jam layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the white chocolate mousse layer:
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the cranberry jam: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the cranberries start to burst, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to the fridge to chill while you prepare the mousse layer.
- Prepare the white chocolate mousse: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Once the crust and cranberry jam have cooled, spread the cranberry jam evenly over the graham cracker crust. Next, gently spoon the white chocolate mousse over the cranberry layer, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Chill the cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy: Before serving, garnish the top of the cheesecake with additional cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors of this beautiful Christmas cheesecake!
Tips
- To prevent the crust from getting soggy, make sure the cranberry jam is completely cool before adding the white chocolate mousse layer.
- If you prefer a thicker cranberry layer, you can increase the amount of cranberries or simmer the jam longer to achieve a thicker consistency.
- For a firmer cheesecake, consider adding 1-2 tbsp of gelatin dissolved in water to the white chocolate mousse layer.
- You can make the crust in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembling the cheesecake.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies to make the crust gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate and use coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version of this cheesecake.
- Other Fruit Jam: If you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can swap the cranberry jam for raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in place of the granulated sugar and powdered sugar to reduce the sugar content.
- Lower Fat: Opt for a reduced-fat cream cheese and lighter whipped cream to make this dessert a bit lighter while still keeping it rich and creamy.
- Low-Carb: Use a low-carb or almond flour-based crust to make this dessert suitable for a keto or low-carb diet.
And there you have it! This Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is a festive, creamy, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holidays. The combination of sweet cranberry and creamy white chocolate mousse will make this a showstopper at any event. Don’t forget to let us know how your cheesecake turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other delicious holiday dessert recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake a day or two in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. - Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well for the cranberry jam. Just make sure to thaw and drain them if needed before cooking. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the garnish) for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving. - How do I make sure the cheesecake doesn’t crack?
Make sure the mousse sets properly by allowing it to chill for at least 4 hours. Avoid overmixing the mousse to keep the texture smooth. - Can I make this with a different filling?
Absolutely! You can swap the cranberry jam for any fruit jam or preserve of your choice for a different flavor profile. - Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust. - Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, with substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream, this cheesecake can easily be made dairy-free.
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Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup 1/4 granulated sugar
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, melted
For the cranberry jam layer:
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 fresh cranberries
3/4 cup 3/4 granulated sugar
1/4 cup 1/4 water
1 tbsp 1 lemon juice
For the white chocolate mousse layer:
8 oz 8 white chocolate, chopped
1 cup 1 heavy cream
8 oz 8 cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup 1/2 powdered sugar
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the cranberry jam: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the cranberries start to burst, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to the fridge to chill while you prepare the mousse layer.
- Prepare the white chocolate mousse: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Once the crust and cranberry jam have cooled, spread the cranberry jam evenly over the graham cracker crust. Next, gently spoon the white chocolate mousse over the cranberry layer, smoothing it out into an even layer with a spatula.
- Chill the cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy: Before serving, garnish the top of the cheesecake with additional cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors of this beautiful Christmas cheesecake!
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