Description
This Christmas Cheesecake is a festive and creamy dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, rich white chocolate and cream cheese filling, and colorful red and green sprinkles for a holiday touch. Baked with a water bath for a smooth texture and decorated with whipped cream and candies, it’s a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 Graham Crackers (crushed)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1.5 tablespoons Sugar
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 6 oz white chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 32 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup red and green sprinkles
Decoration
- Whipped cream
- Red and Green M&Ms or sprinkles
Instructions
- Grease and Preheat: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray or butter. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the oven rack in the lower-middle part of the oven.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the springform pan, including slightly up the sides if desired. Bake for 13 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Melt White Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe dish, combine white chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Add half of the sugar and mix until combined. Then add the remaining sugar and blend fully. Add salt and continue mixing.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add sour cream, the white chocolate and heavy cream mixture, and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Eggs: Continue mixing on low speed. Add eggs and egg yolks two at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed for a smooth batter.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the red and green sprinkles into the cheesecake batter using a spatula.
- Prepare Pan for Water Bath: Double-wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during baking.
- Assemble and Pour Batter: Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust in the springform pan. Tap lightly or use a butter knife/toothpick to pop any large air bubbles on the surface.
- Water Bath Setup: Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan, filling it so the water reaches about 2 inches up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce oven temperature to 225°F (107°C) and continue baking for 90 to 110 minutes. The cheesecake is done when its internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C) and it jiggles significantly in the center.
- Cool Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan and prevent cracking. Let it cool at room temperature for 3 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
- Decorate: Once chilled, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, red and green M&Ms, and extra sprinkles to finish the festive look.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and prevent cracks.
- Double wrapping the springform pan with foil is critical to prevent water from leaking into the batter during the water bath baking.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness; undercooking can lead to cracking or a runny center.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually and chill long enough for proper texture and easier slicing.
- Customize decorations with your favorite candies or sprinkles for different occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, holiday dessert, white chocolate cheesecake, festive cheesecake, cheesecake with sprinkles, holiday dessert recipe
