Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the holiday season approaches, the kitchen fills with nostalgic aromas—gingerbread, pine, and the tangy sweetness of cranberries bubbling on the stovetop. It’s these flavors that inspire my Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake, a dessert destined to shine at festive gatherings. This recipe offers not only a stunning visual centerpiece but also two irresistible benefits: it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Imagine each slice revealing layers of creamy cheesecake, tart cranberry jam, and fluffy white chocolate mousse, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the details of creating this holiday masterpiece! Why is this cheesecake a holiday must? Irresistible Layers: The blend of creamy cheesecake, tart cranberry jam, and airy white chocolate mousse creates a flavor explosion that’s both festive and comforting. Effortlessly Elegant: With a stunning presentation, this cheesecake becomes the star of your holiday table without demanding too much of your time. Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it a day in advance, ensuring you can focus on making memories with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Versatile Flavor Options: While the cranberry jam dazzles, feel free to customize with other jams, making this cheesecake a year-round delight. So, if you love desserts that impress and satisfy, our Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is your perfect holiday companion! Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Ingredients For the Crust Graham Cracker Crumbs – Base structure for the cheesecake. Substitution: Use gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version. Butter (melted) – Binds the crust together. Substitution: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust. Substitution: Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. For the Cranberry Jam Layer Fresh Cranberries – Main component for the tart jam layer. Substitution: Canned cranberry sauce can work in a pinch. Orange Juice & Zest – Add brightness to the cranberry layer. Substitution: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Creates the cheesecake base; gives it a creamy texture. Note: Soften at room temperature for easy blending. Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling. Vanilla Extract – Provides aromatic depth to the cheesecake. Eggs – Provides structure; ensure they are at room temperature. All-Purpose Flour – Stabilizes the batter. Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend can be used. For the White Chocolate Mousse Heavy Cream – Essential for the white chocolate mousse’s texture. White Chocolate – Base for the mousse layer. For Garnishing Sugared Cranberries – Decorative garnishes that enhance presentation and flavor. White Chocolate Shavings – Add an elegant touch to your dessert. This delightful Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake not only captures the spirit of the holidays but also ensures a heavenly finish to your festive meals! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) to create the perfect baking environment for your Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. This temperature ensures that the edges of your cheesecake will set nicely while the center remains creamy. Step 2: Prepare the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well-blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a solid crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling. Step 3: Make the Cranberry Jam To prepare the tart cranberry jam layer, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the cranberries burst. Once done, set it aside to cool completely. Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour until just combined. Pour this luscious filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Step 5: Swirl in the Jam Drop spoonfuls of the cooled cranberry jam over the cheesecake filling. Using a knife, gently swirl the jam into the cream cheese layer to create a beautiful marbled effect. This layer will add a delightful tartness to your rich Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. Step 6: Prepare a Water Bath For even baking, place your springform pan into a larger baking dish. Fill the outer pan with hot water, ensuring it comes halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. This water bath helps to regulate the baking temperature and reduces the risk of cracking. Step 7: Bake Carefully transfer the entire setup into the preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Once baking is complete, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour, which helps prevent cracks from forming. Step 8: Chill the Cheesecake After cooling, carefully remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully. Step 9: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse In a small saucepan, gently melt white chocolate with a splash of milk over low heat until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding it into freshly whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy. This airy mousse will crown your already decadent cheesecake. Step 10: Garnish and Serve Once the cheesecake has chilled completely, spread the white chocolate mousse layer over the top. For a festive touch, top with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings just before serving. Your Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is now ready to impress your guests! Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Variations Feel free to get creative and make this festive cheesecake your own with these delightful twists and swaps! Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or nut-based crusts for everyone to enjoy. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cream cheese for a luscious yet dairy-free treat. Everyone deserves a slice of joy! Fruit Options: Opt for other fruit jams such as raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor experience. Each fruit brings its unique charm to the table. Nutty Crust: Add crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust mixture for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast that will surprise your taste buds. Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the crust or use dark chocolate in the mousse for a chocolate-infused celebration, perfect for chocoholics! Heavenly Vanilla: Enhance the cheesecake filling with a splash of almond extract or cinnamon for a warm and inviting twist during the holidays. Extra Creamy: Fold in some mascarpone cheese into the filling for an even richer, creamier texture that will make your cheesecake unforgettable. Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne or ginger in the cranberry jam for a spicy twist, adding depth and excitement to every bite! You can pair this cheesecake with a light citrus salad or indulge in the creamy delights of Vanilla Cheesecake Bars and enjoy the variety this festive season! What to Serve with Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake As you gather around the table for a festive feast, consider these delightful pairings that elevate your holiday dessert experience. Citrus Salad: Brightening up the meal with refreshing flavors, a citrus salad adds a zesty balance to the richness of the cheesecake. Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices in gingerbread cookies harmonize wonderfully with the cheesecake, inviting cozy holiday memories. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast, enhancing the tartness of the cranberry layer in your dessert. Pomegranate Arils: Fresh pomegranate seeds offer a burst of juicy tartness that complements the cheesecake’s flavors while providing a stunning visual appeal. Minted Tea: A warm cup of mint tea cleanses the palate, refreshing the senses after indulging in the creamy richness of the cheesecake. Chocolate Truffles: Decadent chocolate truffles perfectly accompany your dessert, bringing together the creaminess of the cheesecake with luxurious chocolate flavors. Espresso: A strong shot of espresso acts as the perfect counterpart, cutting through the cheesecake’s sweetness while enhancing the overall dessert experience. Spiced Pear Compote: The subtle warmth of spiced pears adds an aromatic touch, creating a comforting and indulgent finish to your meal. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, shortbread cookies provide a satisfying crunch alongside the velvety texture of the cheesecake, perfect for a treat duo. Make Ahead Options The Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is the perfect candidate for making ahead, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and the cranberry jam up to 24 hours in advance—simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can churn out the cheesecake filling and assemble the layers a day ahead, ensuring that the cheesecake has sufficient time to chill overnight for optimal flavor and texture. When ready to serve, whip up the white chocolate mousse and spread it over the cheesecake, then garnish with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings just before presenting this stunning dessert to your guests! Enjoy dessert-making without the last-minute stress! How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Fridge: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Leftovers often taste even better as the flavors meld over time. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cheesecake without garnishing for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: To reintroduce the cheesecake back into your dessert lineup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This safeguards the creamy texture and flavor of your Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy it slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or until pleasantly warmed. Be careful not to overheat! Expert Tips for Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing, avoiding lumps in your Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake. Perfect Baking: Watch the cheesecake while it bakes; don’t overcook! The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle for a creamy texture. Prepping Ahead: Remember, chilling the cheesecake overnight intensifies the flavors. Don’t rush this step if you want the best result. Crust Control: Be sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan. A well-formed crust is key to supporting the rich layers above. Water Bath Wonders: Always use a water bath while baking! It prevents cracks and ensures even cooking, so your cheesecake looks as good as it tastes. Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Recipe FAQs How do I select fresh cranberries for the jam? Absolutely! Look for cranberries that are plump, firm, and vibrant in color. Avoid any that are soft, shriveled, or have dark spots all over, as these indicate overripeness. Fresh cranberries are usually available in the fall, making them perfect for holiday recipes. What is the best way to store leftover cheesecake? Very! Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, improving over time. You might find that the rich textures and taste only get better after a day or two in the fridge! Can I freeze the cranberry jam white chocolate mousse cheesecake? Absolutely! To freeze, make sure to wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. This delicious dessert can be frozen without its garnishes for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture. Why did my cheesecake crack during baking? Great question! Cracks can occur for several reasons. The key is to avoid overmixing the filling, especially after adding eggs, and ensure you’re using a water bath while baking, as it helps regulate temperature and moisture. Additionally, allow your cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven after baking—these steps make a significant difference in achieving that smooth surface. Are there any dietary considerations for this cheesecake? Certainly! For a gluten-free version, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs. If someone has dairy allergies, using coconut oil in place of butter and opting for a dairy-free cream cheese can work wonders. Always check for allergen labels on pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they’re safe for everyone in your gathering! Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake Delight This Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake combines creamy layers with tart cranberry jam, perfect for festive gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 40 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs Substitution: Use gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free version.0.5 cups Butter (melted) Substitution: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.0.25 cups Granulated Sugar Substitution: Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.For the Cranberry Jam Layer12 ounces Fresh Cranberries Substitution: Canned cranberry sauce can work in a pinch.0.5 cups Orange Juice1 tablespoon Orange Zest Substitution: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity.For the Cheesecake Filling16 ounces Cream Cheese Soften at room temperature for easy blending.0.5 cups Sour Cream1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract3 large Eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.0.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend can be used.For the White Chocolate Mousse1 cup Heavy Cream8 ounces White ChocolateFor Garnishing1 cup Sugared Cranberries0.5 cups White Chocolate Shavings Equipment Springform PanMixing bowlsMedium saucepanWhiskSpatula Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Press into a springform pan to form a crust and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.For the cranberry jam, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 10-12 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.Blend softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Pour over crust.Drop spoonfuls of cooled cranberry jam over the cheesecake filling and gently swirl with a knife.Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.Bake for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.Melt white chocolate with a splash of milk in a saucepan over low heat. Cool slightly, then fold into whipped heavy cream.Spread white chocolate mousse over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with sugared cranberries and white chocolate shavings before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
