Description
Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake beautifully balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the rich, creamy sweetness of white chocolate. This elegant dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, luscious filling that’s perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a sophisticated treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (675g) cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, chopped
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¾ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers until fine and mix with melted butter and sugar, then press firmly into the base of a springform pan to form an even layer. This buttery crust will support the delicious filling.
- Melt the white chocolate: Gently melt white chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool slightly, but not harden.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Slowly mix in the melted white chocolate and cornstarch until fully combined and creamy.
- Incorporate cranberries: Fold fresh cranberries gently into the filling or save some to sprinkle on top, depending on your presentation preference.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Melt white chocolate slowly to avoid graininess or burning.
- Consider baking in a water bath to prevent cracking and ensure even baking.
- Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating excess air which causes cracks.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor melding.
- Use a hot, dry knife for clean slices when serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: cranberry cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake, holiday dessert, creamy cheesecake, tart cranberry dessert