Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 8 oz fresh cranberries (about 2½ cups); ¼ cup water; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest; ⅔ cup good quality white chocolate chips (Guittard or Ghirardelli recommended); 1¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons chilled heavy whipping cream, divided; 1 cup powdered sugar, divided; 12 ounces full fat cream cheese, at room temperature; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Cranberries; White chocolate shavings

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 76 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a touch of elegance, the White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This luscious cheesecake brings together the creamy richness of white chocolate and cream cheese with the vibrant zing of fresh cranberries, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether for a holiday gathering or a special treat, this cheesecake is a delightful crowd-pleaser that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a chunky, deep red mixture that looks like cooked or mashed berries or fruit sauce. The texture appears soft and somewhat wet, with visible pieces of fruit throughout the mixture. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the fruit mixture. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the dish. The colors are mostly dark and bright red with some lighter red highlights from the texture of the fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe plays a crucial role, from the tart cranberries that brighten the flavor to the velvety cream cheese that builds the creamy filling. These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Graham cracker crumbs: The crisp, buttery base that provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the crust and cranberry sauce, balancing tartness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust crumbs together and enriches the flavor with a silky finish.
Fresh cranberries: Bursting with bright, tangy flavor—they’re the star of the cranberry sauce and garnish.
Water: Helps cook down the cranberries into a thick, luscious sauce.
Orange zest: Infuses the cranberry sauce with aromatic citrus notes that lift the overall taste.
Good quality white chocolate chips: Creamy and sweet, they melt into the filling for a decadent, dreamy smooth texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfect peaks, it adds volume and lightness to the cheesecake filling and topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream evenly without graininess, ensuring smoothness.
Full fat cream cheese: The rich, tangy base of the cheesecake, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake’s flavor with deep, warm undertones.
Cranberries and white chocolate shavings (for garnish): Adds a beautiful, festive finish that invites everyone to indulge.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate — using the bottom of a measuring cup makes this easy and even. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, then let it cool completely to set the perfect foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce

While the crust cools, it’s time to create that vibrant cranberry sauce that gives this cheesecake its irresistible zing. Combine fresh cranberries, water, granulated sugar, and a touch of finely grated orange zest in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and most cranberries burst, releasing their tangy juices. Set aside to cool, either at room temperature or chilled in the fridge, depending on your schedule.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

For the rich and velvety filling, melt the white chocolate chips gently with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating and seizing the chocolate. If you prefer, use a double boiler for more control. Let this mixture cool slightly—it should remain melted but not too hot to combine seamlessly with cream cheese in the next step.

Step 4: Whip the Heavy Cream

Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the remaining heavy cream along with part of the powdered sugar until you see firm peaks forming. This whipped cream is going to lend lightness and air to the cheesecake filling, helping balance the richness perfectly. Once whipped, keep it chilled in the refrigerator while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.

Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the melted white chocolate mixture. Beat in the rest of the powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, ensuring the texture is silky and combined without lumps. Fold in roughly two-thirds of the chilled whipped cream, gently mixing so you keep that airy, fluffy texture intact. Set aside the remaining whipped cream for the topping — it will add a lovely cloud-like finish to the pie.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake

Now, the fun part: layering! Alternate spoonfuls of the creamy cheesecake filling with generous dollops of the cooled cranberry sauce inside your crust. Using a sharp knife, swirl the two together gently to create a beautiful marbled effect throughout. This mixture then needs to chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing all those flavors to marry and the cheesecake to firm up just right.

Step 7: Final Touches Before Serving

Right before serving your White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe, whip the reserved cream a little if it has softened, then spread or pipe it generously over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with fresh cranberries and delicate white chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation that’s as inviting as the flavor inside.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

A slice of pie is shown on a white plate with a crumbly brown crust as the bottom layer. Above the crust is a thick creamy white layer mixed with bright red berry pieces that create a marbled effect throughout. The top of the pie has two swirls of white whipped cream, each topped with a single dark red berry. White chocolate shavings are scattered across the top of the pie and plate. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred shapes of more pie and a small white dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic toppings of fresh cranberries and white chocolate shavings add pops of festive color and texture, brightening up each slice visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest over the whipped cream can also elevate the citrus notes from the cranberry sauce for an extra burst of aroma and tang.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a light, fruity accompaniment such as a mixed berry compote or a simple fruit salad. A drizzle of raspberry coulis or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also complements the creamy and tart cheesecake beautifully, creating a dessert experience that’s balanced and pleasing to the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, serve this White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe on a beautiful cake stand adorned with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a wintery touch. Individual servings can be plated with a small dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of cranberry for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your cheesecake, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. This makes it a wonderful make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this cheesecake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t typically recommended. If your whipped cream topping loses its fluffiness, simply give it a quick whip again before serving, and your dessert will be just as delightful as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well—just thaw them slightly before cooking to ensure they break down properly in the sauce. The tartness and texture will remain perfect for the cheesecake.

Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?

While chilling for at least 6 hours is recommended to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up, overnight chilling provides the best texture and depth of flavor. It’s worth the wait for an unforgettable cheesecake.

Can I substitute the white chocolate for regular chocolate?

You can, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. White chocolate offers a creamy sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly, whereas regular chocolate will add bitterness and richness, making it a different dessert altogether.

How do I avoid cracks in the cheesecake filling?

Since this recipe is a no-bake cheesecake, cracking isn’t typically an issue. Just be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to keep the airy texture intact and avoid overmixing, which can cause separation.

Can I make mini cheesecakes using this recipe?

Definitely! Use muffin tins or small tart pans and adjust chilling time accordingly. The flavors remain delicious, and mini cheesecakes make fantastic party treats or gifts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert on any table. It’s elegant yet approachable, bursting with bright and creamy flavors that delight every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy of such a memorable dessert with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.