Ah, the holiday season! There’s a certain magic in the air, isn’t there? It’s all around us: shimmering lights, the smell of pine trees, and the sound of laughter filling homes as friends and family gather together. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking with my loved ones, and every year, I look forward to whipping up my Deliciously Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Bliss. This dessert doesn’t just add a sweet ending to any holiday meal; it captures the essence of Christmas in every bite!

Imagine a smooth, creamy cheesecake topped with a glossy layer of bright red cranberry sauce—it’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the taste buds! The rich, velvety texture pairs perfectly with the tart zing of cranberries, making it feel almost like eating a little piece of Christmas joy. So today, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe for this dazzling cheesecake that’s sure to impress your holiday guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The combination of creamy cheesecake and tart cranberries is simply divine!
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers will feel like pros.
• Showstopper Dessert: This cheesecake is a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day or two in advance to save time on the big day.
• Versatile: Change up the cranberry topping or mix in spices to suit your taste!

Ingredients

Let’s gather what we need for this mouthwatering cheesecake. I promise it’s not a lengthy shopping list!

• For the crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the cheesecake filling:
  • 4 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for stability)
• For the cranberry topping:
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)

Note: Using fresh cranberries gives a brighter flavor, but if you have frozen ones on hand, they work just fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friends! Let’s get down to business and make this wonder of a cheesecake. Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with that warm, festive aroma!

1. Prep your springform pan: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). A 9-inch springform pan works best for this recipe. Grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan. Make sure it’s even and packed tightly—this will hold up your beautiful cheesecake!
3. Bake the crust: Pop the crust into your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you tackle the filling.
4. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and creamy—about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps!
5. Add eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing; otherwise, the cheesecake can become dense. We’re aiming for a smooth, silky texture! Watch out: Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure everything gets mixed well.
6. Add sour cream and flour: Gently fold in the sour cream and flour until just blended. Now it’s ready to pour over your cooled crust!
7. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the baked crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for about 55-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center might still look a bit wobbly—that’s okay! It will firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool down gradually in the oven for an hour. This helps prevent cracking. After an hour, transfer it to your refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
9. Prepare the cranberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until the berries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool completely before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.
10. Finish and serve: Once your cheesecake is set and chilled, pour that gorgeous cranberry topping evenly over the top. Pop it back in the fridge for about an hour to let those flavors meld, then it’s ready to slice and serve!

Pro Tips & Variations

Every great recipe can use a little twist or personalization! Here are some fun ideas to make this festive cheesecake even more fabulous:

• Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the cheesecake filling for a spiced flavor profile.
• Chocolate lover’s delight: Swirl some melted chocolate into the filling before baking or add chocolate shavings on top!
• Vanilla Bean: For an extra indulgent filling, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
• Gluten-free option: Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Whatever you choose, have fun with it! The best part about baking is making it your own.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve your masterpiece, I love to bring it out alongside a steaming cup of rich hot cocoa or a velvety mulled wine—perfect for cozy gatherings. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint can add an extra festive touch. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, serve it with a side of gingerbread cookies, because who can say no to cookies and cheesecake?

Picture this: your friends and family gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories, little ones sneaking bites of cheesecake when they think no one is watching. This cheesecake truly makes for a delightful end to any festive dinner!

Storage Tips

Planning on enjoying this cheesecake for a few days? No problem at all! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover cheesecake tightly covered in your refrigerator. It will last about 5-7 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze slices of cheesecake. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 2-3 months! Just allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
• Reheating: Cheesecake is best served cold, but if you want to enjoy a warm slice, pop it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Absolutely! It’s one of the best make-ahead desserts. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How can I tell when the cheesecake is done?

You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit wobbly!

Can I use another fruit for the topping?

For sure! This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry compote. Just swap the cranberry topping for your favorite fruit flavors!

Why is my cheesecake cracking?

Cracks can happen due to overheating or overmixing the batter. Always bake at a low temperature and allow it to cool gradually in the oven. If cracks do appear, just cover them with the delicious topping!

What should I serve with the cheesecake?

If you’re looking for sides, a warm drink like hot cocoa or spiced cider complements the cheesecake beautifully. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! A step-by-step journey to delightful holiday bliss with my Deliciously Festive Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Bliss. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine, wrapping your gatherings in warmth and sweetness. If you decide to give this a try, I would absolutely love to hear how it turned out! Did you put your twist on it? Share your tales in the comments below. Happy baking and happy holidays!

Irresistible Festive Xmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Bliss Delight

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the flavors of a festive xmas cheesecake featuring cranberry bliss perfect for holiday gatherings and dessert lovers alike 150 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs

½ cup of unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup of granulated sugar

4 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened

1 cup of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

4 large eggs

1 cup of sour cream

1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour

2 cups of fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)

1 cup of granulated sugar for topping

1 cup of water for topping

1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Prep your springform pan by preheating the oven to 325°F (160°C) and greasing the pan.

Make the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into the pan.

Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and let it cool.

Make the cheesecake filling by beating the cream cheese until creamy, then gradually adding sugar and vanilla.

Add the eggs one by one while mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.

Gently fold in sour cream and flour until blended. Pour over cooled crust.

Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.

Cool the cheesecake in the oven for an hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Prepare the cranberry topping by combining cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Once cooled, pour the cranberry topping over the chilled cheesecake, let it meld in the fridge for an hour, and then serve.

Notes

A smooth and creamy cheesecake topped with a glossy layer of cranberry sauce that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, cranberry cheesecake, holiday dessert, festive recipes, cheesecake recipes