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Nothing says festive quite like a dreamy, creamy treat that brings everyone together, and that’s exactly what this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe offers! With its smooth, velvety texture nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, and a pop of holiday cheer from red and green sprinkles, this cheesecake is a guaranteed showstopper at any holiday gathering. It perfectly balances richness with lightness, blending classic flavors that are sure to become your go-to for Christmas celebrations year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe has a special role, from building the perfect crust to creating the silky filling. These simple yet essential components come together to deliver a balance of flavors and a delightful texture that’s truly irresistible.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crisp, slightly sweet base that holds the cheesecake firmly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the cheesecake; softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese gently and dissolves perfectly for a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic warmth that elevates the whole dessert.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess; feel free to swap with yogurt for a lighter twist.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it folds in delicately to give the cheesecake a light, airy feel; coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream, balancing the tanginess of the sour cream beautifully.
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles: The festive flair that transforms this cheesecake into a holiday delight.
How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the crust and filling, giving the cheesecake the ideal bake time for a beautifully set center without cracks.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and begin to stick together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. This buttery crust will provide a crisp foundation that perfectly contrasts with the creamy filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth. Adding the vanilla extract and sour cream next, mix everything until the mixture becomes rich and velvety. The sour cream brings a tangy depth that amps up the flavor profile and keeps the filling from being too sweet.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Whip the heavy cream and sugar together in another bowl until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds firm shapes when you lift the whisk. Fold this gently but thoroughly into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy texture that makes the cheesecake feel like a dream on your tongue.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the smooth filling over your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for a flawless finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This gentle baking ensures a creamy yet sturdy cheesecake without cracks or dryness.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once baked, let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to fully set, resulting in that signature dense yet luscious texture that makes this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the cheesecake generously with red and green sprinkles for an instant burst of holiday spirit. These colorful decorations don’t just add festive flair but also a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesecake with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis to add fruity brightness that cuts through the richness. A cup of hot coffee or spiced mulled wine is also a perfect complement to round out your holiday dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe in individual mini jars or glasses for charming single servings at a holiday party. Alternatively, you can layer cheesecake filling with crushed cookies and fruit for a festive trifle that’s equally delightful and eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Using the springform pan lid or plastic wrap over the top will maintain freshness and prevent the cheesecake from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe well in advance, freeze it after baking and cooling. Wrap the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating in the microwave as this can alter the texture, making it less creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust for this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crust is traditional and delicious, you can substitute with crushed ginger snaps or chocolate cookies for a different flavor that still complements the creamy filling beautifully.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt. Both add that slight tanginess needed to balance the sweetness, just ensure to pick a full-fat version for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the crust. The coconut cream also whips up nicely, maintaining the cheesecake’s signature light texture.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
To achieve the best texture, chilling for a minimum of 4 hours is essential, but letting it rest overnight enhances the flavors and firmness, ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy and delicious.
Can this cheesecake be made ahead for Christmas parties?
Definitely! This Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe is ideal for making ahead. Prepare, bake, and chill it a day or two before your party, saving you stress on the big day while impressing your guests with a stunning dessert.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that brings warmth, joy, and a little magic to the holiday table. Its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and festive sweetness makes it a beloved treat for friends and family alike. Once you experience how effortlessly it comes together and how wonderfully it tastes, this cheesecake might just become your new holiday tradition.
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Christmas Cheesecake Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Cheesecake Dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a smooth, creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and whipped heavy cream. Baked to perfection and decorated with red and green sprinkles, it is an ideal holiday treat that is rich and indulgent yet light in texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
Decoration
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it is ready once your crust and filling are prepared.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a firm and even base for your cheesecake.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, then mix until these are fully incorporated.
- Whip the heavy cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the sugar until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to maintain the airy consistency.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the combined filling over your crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set and develop flavor.
- Decorate and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
- You can substitute yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a dairy-free version, replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake after baking.
- Letting the cheesecake chill overnight results in better texture and flavor.
