Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and Sugared Cranberries
This Christmas Cheesecake with Cranberry Jam and Sugared Cranberries is a festive and elegant holiday dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake base, tangy homemade cranberry jam, and sparkling sugared cranberries. It’s perfect for Christmas dinner, holiday parties, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 200 g graham crackers crushed
- 100 g unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 900 g cream cheese softened
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 ml heavy cream
For the Cranberry Jam Layer
- 300 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 150 g sugar
- 120 ml water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- For the Sugared Cranberries
- 120 g fresh cranberries
- 120 ml water
- 120 g sugar divided
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into the base of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and heavy cream. Mix until just combined. Pour over the cooled crust.
Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is slightly set. Turn off oven, crack the door, and allow cheesecake to cool gradually. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Prepare the Cranberry Jam
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Cool completely, then spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Make the Sugared Cranberries
- Heat water and half the sugar until dissolved. Add cranberries and simmer for 1 minute. Remove and drain. Roll cranberries in remaining sugar and let dry before decorating the cheesecake.
Notes
Nutritional Benefits (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
Health Highlights
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Dairy provides calcium and protein
- A satisfying dessert that helps control portion cravings
- Homemade ingredients avoid preservatives found in store-bought desserts