The perfect balance of tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate makes this Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe a standout dessert for the holidays. Rich, festive, and downright irresistible, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.

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

I remember the first time I made this cheesecake—it filled my kitchen with the most amazing aromas, and the flavor combo just blew my mind. It’s more than just a cheesecake; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy to the table.

Perfect Holiday Flavor: The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate for that signature festive taste.
Elegant Yet Doable: Impressive presentation doesn’t mean complicated steps—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the result.
Customizable: You can dress it up with candied cranberries or keep it simple and still have a show-stopping dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead so you can relax and enjoy the holidays while wowing your guests.

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

Each component in this Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe plays a key role, from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the creamy cheesecake filling and luscious mousse topping. When combined, they create that irresistible harmony you’ll keep coming back to.

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

Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for vibrant color and tart flavor that cuts through the richness.
White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry jam and cheesecake—trust me, don’t skimp here!
Vanilla Extract & Vanilla Bean: These add warmth and depth, making the cheesecake irresistible.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a sturdy, buttery crust that holds everything beautifully.
Butter: Melts into the crust for richness and helps it bind perfectly.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake, softened to avoid lumps and ensure creaminess.
Heavy Whipping Cream & Sour Cream: Add silkiness and a touch of tang for balanced flavor and texture.
Eggs: Essential for structure and that perfect creamy set.
Corn Starch: Keeps the cheesecake firm without being dense—don’t skip this!
White Chocolate Bars: For melting into the mousse, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Whipped Topping: Lightens the mousse for an airy contrast to the dense cheesecake layer.
Candied Cranberries (Optional): Adds a festive sparkle and extra tangy sweetness on top.

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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 enjoy switching up the toppings to fit the season or guests’ preferences—sometimes I add chopped pistachios for crunch or sprinkle festive edible gold dust for a fancy touch. Try your own favorite nuts or berries for a personal spin.

Variation: Adding orange zest to the cranberry jam gives a bright citrus note that really lifts the flavors together—highly recommend giving that a go if you love zesty desserts!
Dietary Option: For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use a sugar substitute, but I find the original gives the best texture and taste.
Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for intermediate bakers; just take your time with the water bath step to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake.

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

Step 1: Make the Candied Cranberries (Optional but Magical)

Start by heating water and sugar to build your sugar syrup base. After it cools a bit, stir in the fresh cranberries, then cover and chill overnight. The next day, toss them in superfine sugar for a sparkling, tangy treasure perfect for decorating. Trust me, these candied cranberries add a wow factor that’s worth the extra time.

Step 2: Cook the Quick Cranberry Jam

Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat and let them bubble away for about 12–15 minutes until softened and jammy. Stir often to prevent sticking. This step fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and creates the vibrant jam that’s a sweet-and-tart balance to your rich cheesecake.

Step 3: Prep the Crust and Bake It

Mix graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Press the mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan, building it about halfway up the sides. I like using a flat-bottom glass to compress the crust evenly—helps give it a professional, even finish. Spread half of your cranberry jam over the crust before adding the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth—don't rush here or you might get lumps. Add vanilla, sour cream, then eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl to keep things consistent. Lower the speed before adding corn starch and heavy cream to avoid overbeating the eggs. Last but not least, fold in the vanilla bean seeds for that subtle floral note.

Step 5: Bake in a Water Bath for Creamy Perfection

Pour the batter over the jam-coated crust. Place your springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and carefully pour hot water halfway up the cheesecake pan’s side. This water bath ensures gentle, even baking to prevent cracks. Bake at 325°F for about 70-75 minutes. Once done, cool for a bit in the oven with the door slightly open before removing to the counter.

Step 6: Add the Remaining Jam and Chill

Spread the rest of the cranberry jam evenly on the cooled cheesecake surface. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better to let all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse Topping

Melt white chocolate carefully (I like using a double boiler to prevent burning). Beat cream cheese until fluffy, then drizzle in the melted chocolate gradually. Fold in whipped topping gently for a light, airy mousse. Spread this over your cheesecake for that signature creamy crown.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

If you made candied cranberries, now’s the time to scatter them on top for sparkle and zing. You can pipe the mousse in decorative swirls if you’re feeling fancy. Either way, your Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake is ready to dazzle!

Top Tip

From my experience, the water bath is the secret weapon here. It’s what keeps your cheesecake beautifully smooth without cracks. Also, don’t skip cooling the cheesecake gradually—rushing this step can cause those classic cracks that none of us want!

Water Bath Magic: Wrap the springform pan with heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks and add room-temperature water slowly to avoid splashing into your cheesecake.
Softened Cream Cheese: Take your cream cheese out early so it softens fully; this makes the batter silkier and lump-free.
Gentle Folding: When combining mousse ingredients, fold gently to keep that fluffy texture intact.
Patience With Cooling: Letting the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door ajar prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

cranberry white chocolate cheesecake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to finish with those sparkly candied cranberries and a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a little crunch and color pop. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely contrast and a burst of green that feels so festive.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a cup of hot spiced tea or mulled wine. If you want to get a bit fancier, some orange-scented whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the cheesecake’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve individual slices on festive china with a dollop of the white chocolate mousse piped on top and a single candied cranberry perched just right. It adds that extra special touch without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, so you can indulge over several cozy mornings or evenings. I usually slice before storing for easy grab-and-go treats.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, perfect for making ahead of the season. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and add the mousse topping fresh before serving for best results.

Reheating

I usually serve this cheesecake chilled, but if you want to warm it slightly, take a slice out about 15 minutes before serving. Room temperature enhances the creamy texture without melting the mousse topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for the jam and candied topping?

Using frozen cranberries is definitely possible, but fresh cranberries work best for texture and flavor. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking your jam or making candied cranberries to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

The best way to prevent cracks is to bake your cheesecake in a water bath, which keeps the temperature gentle and even. Also, avoid overmixing once the eggs are added, and let the cheesecake cool slowly with the oven door ajar before chilling. Following these steps really helped me get a smooth, crack-free surface.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for texture and flavor, so substituting will change the final result. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and whipped toppings, and consider using agar or another stabilizer instead of eggs and corn starch, but it would require some trial and error.

How long does this cheesecake need to chill before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, chilling the cheesecake for at least 4 hours is a must, but overnight chilling is ideal. This resting time allows the flavors to meld, and the cheesecake to firm up properly, making slicing much easier.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s both beautiful and reliably delicious every time. I promise you, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your festive dessert lineup. So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and get ready to impress!