Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

Name: Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: PT-489851H1M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 220 g finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, cream removed; 62 g salted butter, melted; 900 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 266 g granulated sugar; Pinch of salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 160 ml sour cream, at room temperature; 160 ml heavy whipping cream, at room temperature; 65 g fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped; 185 g high quality white chocolate chips; 90 g white chocolate chips (for topping); 15 ml heavy cream (for topping); Sugared cranberries, for garnish (optional)

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: November 17, 2025

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Introduction to Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and tart, isn’t there? That’s why I absolutely love this Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake. Imagine rich, creamy cheesecake balanced with the zing of fresh cranberries and the sweetness of white chocolate—pure bliss! This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to impress family or friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, your loved ones will be begging for seconds! Plus, it’s a delightful treat for festive gatherings or cozy dinner parties. Let’s get started on this delicious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

This Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake is not just delicious; it’s a breeze to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself creating a dessert that looks like a masterpiece but requires minimal effort. Its rich taste and stunning appearance will surely impress your guests. Plus, the creamy texture combined with the tart cranberries makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s truly a dessert that brings joy without the fuss!

Ingredients for Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for this Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake to shine! Here’s what you’ll need:

Chocolate sandwich cookies: These create a rich and decadent crust. Feel free to use any cookie you love!
Salted butter: Adds richness and binds the crust together. You can swap for unsalted if preferred.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! Use full-fat for a creamier texture that melts in your mouth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness plays a vital role. Adjust to your taste if you want a slightly less sweet cheesecake.
Pinch of salt: This enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract: A dash of this golden elixir adds depth to the cheesecake.
Eggs: These help the cheesecake set perfectly. Room temperature eggs are ideal for smooth mixing.
Sour cream: It adds a tangy flavor and a luscious texture. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute.
Heavy whipping cream: This gives the cheesecake its rich, creamy character. Don’t skip it!
Fresh cranberries: Use them coarsely chopped to introduce tartness! Frozen ones can work in a pinch.
High-quality white chocolate chips: This will bring sweetness and creaminess. Go for brands you trust!
White chocolate chips (for topping): These add an elegant touch to your dessert’s presentation.
Heavy cream (for topping): Used to melt the chocolate for that gorgeous drizzle!
Sugared cranberries (optional): These are optional but elevate the dessert’s visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.

All ingredient measurements are at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Enjoy your cooking journey!

How to Make Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the sweet journey of making this delightful Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake. Follow these easy steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks utterly stunning!

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things warmed up.

Then, grab a 9-inch springform pan and place it on a larger baking sheet. This will help catch any drips!

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the pan with cooking spray to ensure our cheesecake doesn’t decide to cling stubbornly to the sides during its grand reveal!

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted salted butter.

Think of this as the foundation of your cheesecake—rich and indulgent! Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, leaving a slight edge up the sides.

Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool while we work on the filling.

Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Filling

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s totally smooth.

Add the granulated sugar next, mixing until well combined.

Don’t forget to sprinkle in that pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract!

Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is where the magic happens, so mix thoroughly!

Blend in the sour cream and heavy cream until everything is silky smooth.

Finally, gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips to get that gorgeous flavor throughout.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Carefully pour the luscious cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, making it as smooth as possible.

Now, remember that heavy-duty foil we wrapped around the pan? This is a crucial step!

Place the springform pan inside the larger baking sheet. Pour boiling water into the outer pan until it reaches about an inch high. This water bath ensures even baking.

Pop the whole setup into the oven and bake for 90 minutes.

You’ll know it’s close when the top looks set and has a lovely golden hue, but the center may still jiggle slightly—it’s supposed to!

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once the baking time is up, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar.

Let your cheesecake cool for one hour inside. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks from forming.

After that, transfer it to the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

When you’re ready to serve, melt the remaining white chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream over a double boiler.

Drizzle this heavenly mixture over the chilled cheesecake for that gourmet touch.

And if you’re feeling fancy, add some sugared cranberries on top. This not only looks beautiful but adds that extra delightful crunch!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature ingredients. This helps your cheesecake mix smoothly.
Wrap your pan well to avoid water seeping in during baking.
Bake slowly in a water bath for a creamier texture and even cooking.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually to reduce the chance of cracks.
For best flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving!

Equipment Needed

9-inch springform pan: Great for easy release; a regular cake pan can work in a pinch, but be careful when unmolding.
Baking sheet: Used to catch drips; an oven-safe dish can be an alternative.
Stand mixer: Best for smooth mixing; a hand mixer can also do the job, just take a bit more effort!
Double boiler: Ideal for melting chocolate; you can use a heatproof bowl over a saucepan as a substitute.

Variations

Chocolate Swirl: Add a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolate swirl effect.
Fruit Flavors: Substitute fresh cranberries with raspberry or strawberry puree for a different flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious vegan version.
Nutty Crust: Replace the chocolate sandwich cookies with crushed graham crackers mixed with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon into the filling for a bright, zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.
Serve fresh berries on the side, enhancing the tartness and visual appeal.
For drinks, consider a light sparkling wine or a cozy cup of chai tea.
Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Presentation is key—use a beautiful platter to make your cheesecake shine!

FAQs about Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

Curious about this delightful Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake? Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my answers!

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better the longer it sits. Make it a day or two in advance, and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it covered!

What should I do if my cheesecake cracks?

No worries if it does! Cheesecakes can be finicky. To minimize cracking, ensure you cool it gradually and use a water bath. Cover any cracks with the chocolate drizzle or sugared cranberries for a charming touch!

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cranberries can be a great alternative. Just chop them up once thawed, and you’ll still get that lovely tartness in your cheesecake.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about a week. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly.

Is there a way to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free cookies for the crust, and you’ll have a gluten-free Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake that everyone can enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake is more than just baking; it’s about bringing joy to those you love. The moment you slice into that rich, velvety cheesecake and see the beautiful hues of red cranberry against creamy white chocolate, you can’t help but smile. Imagine gathering around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone savors each delightful bite. This dessert doesn’t just please the palate; it creates cherished memories. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe—your family will thank you for it, and your heart will be full!