1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

This festive white chocolate cranberry cheesecake is a stunning holiday showstopper that'll have everyone asking for the recipe! The smooth, creamy white chocolate cheesecake gets swirled with ribbons of tart cranberry puree that create these beautiful ruby-red patterns throughout. What makes it extra special is how the sweet, velvety cheesecake perfectly balances the bright pop of fresh cranberries, while the sparkly sugared cranberries on top add this magical holiday touch. It's one of those desserts that looks as spectacular as it tastes, making it perfect for your holiday table!
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:05:55 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A delicious cheesecake topped with swirling raspberry sauce and fresh cranberries sits on a dark plate, surrounded by scattered cranberries. Pin it
A delicious cheesecake topped with swirling raspberry sauce and fresh cranberries sits on a dark plate, surrounded by scattered cranberries. | tastygusto.com

Let me share my favorite holiday showstopper this White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake that never fails to wow everyone at Christmas gatherings. I've perfected this recipe over many holiday seasons and the combination of silky white chocolate cheesecake with swirls of tart cranberry is pure magic. That Biscoff cookie crust adds such a wonderful warmth and those sugared cranberries on top make it look absolutely stunning.

Why This Recipe is Pure Gold

What I love about this cheesecake is how it balances rich creaminess with bright cranberry tang. It's one of those desserts that looks like it came from a fancy bakery but I promise you can make it right in your own kitchen. The white and red colors make it perfect for Christmas and those sparkly sugared cranberries add such a festive touch.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Fresh Cranberries: These little jewels are the star of our show.
  • Biscoff Cookies: Trust me this crust is amazing.
  • White Chocolate: Splurge on the good stuff here.
  • Cream Cheese: Room temperature is crucial!
  • Sour Cream: For that perfect tang.
  • Granulated Sugar: We'll use this in several ways.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes a difference.
  • Eggs: That extra yolk is worth it.
  • Heavy Cream: For ultimate richness.
  • Water: Simple but necessary.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with the Cranberries
Making that puree is like creating liquid rubies.
Build Your Base
That Biscoff crust becomes pure gold in the oven.
Mix with Love
Take your time beating that cream cheese it's worth it.
Layer and Swirl
Creating those cranberry swirls is like making edible art.
Patience Pays Off
That slow cooling is crucial for perfection.

My Best Tips

After making this cheesecake countless times I've learned a few tricks. Room temperature ingredients are absolutely non-negotiable. That water bath might seem fussy but it prevents cracks every time. And don't rush the chilling it needs that overnight rest.

Make It Beautiful

Those sugared cranberries aren't just pretty they're like little edible ornaments. I love making extra because they're wonderful for snacking too. When you pipe that fresh whipped cream around the edges it looks absolutely magical.

Keeping It Fresh

This cheesecake keeps beautifully in the fridge for about five days though it rarely lasts that long in my house! You can even freeze it just wrap it well and thaw it overnight when you're ready to serve.

A creamy cheesecake topped with a berry coulis and fresh cranberries, served on a dark plate with a fork alongside a bowl of berries in the background. Pin it
A creamy cheesecake topped with a berry coulis and fresh cranberries, served on a dark plate with a fork alongside a bowl of berries in the background. | tastygusto.com

Perfect Slices

Here's my secret for those picture perfect slices run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. It makes such a difference in presentation and everyone loves getting that perfect slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cheesecake up to 3 days before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add the toppings just before serving.

→ Why do I need to bake the cheesecake in a water bath?

A water bath provides gentle, even heat and adds moisture to the oven. This helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture throughout the cheesecake.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well for both the puree and sugared cranberries. No need to thaw them before cooking for the puree.

→ What's the best way to tell if my cheesecake is done?

The edges should be set but the center 2 inches should still have a slight jiggle. An internal temperature of 140-145°F indicates it's perfectly baked.

→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?

This cheesecake freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly without toppings and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.

Conclusion

This festive dessert combines smooth white chocolate cheesecake with tangy cranberry swirls. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with fresh cranberry puree, topped with sparkling sugared cranberries for a stunning holiday presentation.

Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

A luxurious white chocolate cheesecake swirled with homemade cranberry puree, topped with sugared cranberries and whipped cream. Perfect for holiday celebrations.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
80 Minutes
Total Time
125 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American Dessert

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 ounces fresh cranberries (for puree).
02 ⅓ cup water (for puree).
03 ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for puree).
04 1 prepared 9-inch Biscoff cookie crust.
05 1 cup high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped.
06 2 tablespoons heavy cream.
07 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature.
08 ⅔ cup granulated sugar.
09 ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, room temperature.
10 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract.
11 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature.
12 6 ounces fresh cranberries (for topping).
13 ⅓ cup water (for topping).
14 ⅓ cup plus ½ cup sugar (for topping).

Instructions

Step 01

Cook cranberries with water and sugar over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, mashing as they cook. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and chill.

Step 02

Heat oven to 325°F and get your Biscoff crust ready in the pan.

Step 03

Gently melt white chocolate with cream using short bursts in microwave or a double boiler. Let cool slightly.

Step 04

Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and melted chocolate. Add eggs one at a time until well combined.

Step 05

Pour half the batter in pan, add cranberry puree swirls. Top with remaining batter and puree, swirl again.

Step 06

Place springform pan in larger cake pan, put in roasting pan. Fill with hot water halfway up cake pan sides.

Step 07

Bake 70-80 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Cool in cracked oven 1 hour, then on rack 1 hour, then chill overnight.

Step 08

Cook sugar syrup, coat cranberries, dry for an hour, then roll in sugar.

Step 09

Top chilled cheesecake with whipped cream and sugared cranberries before serving.

Notes

  1. Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest cheesecake texture.
  2. Internal temperature should reach 140-145°F when done.
  3. Can be made up to 3 days ahead of serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • 10-inch cake pan.
  • Roasting pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Fine-mesh sieve.
  • Instant-read thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, white chocolate).
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten (Biscoff crust).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 7 g